LNG Canada To Get New CEO
Anglo-Dutch major Shell said April 8 it will be transitioning LNG Canada CEO Andy Calitz out of his role effective July 1, to be replaced by Peter Zebedee, who is currently Shell’s vice president, Canada manufacturing and general manager of its Scotford refining and upgrading complex near Edmonton.
It is not unusual on large-scale energy projects such as the $40bn (US$31bn) LNG Canada project for the CEO role to transition following a final investment decision (FID). The role of CEO at Coastal GasLink (CGL), the TransCanada subsidiary building the natural gas pipeline that will deliver gas to the LNG Canada terminal in Kitimat, on BC’s northern coast, was also transitioned soon after TransCanada took FID on CGL.
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“Andy was a tremendous leader and the right leader at the right time in LNG Canada’s development history when he was brought in in 2013,” Susannah Pierce, LNG Canada’s executive director, external relations, told NGW. “The project was struggling, but he came in, righted the ship, and over the next six years successfully brought the project to a final investment decision.”
Since joining LNG Canada following a 23-year career working directly for Shell, Calitz brought innovation to the delivery of the largest private sector investment in Canadian history. Calitz will be returning to Shell, in a role yet to be determined, Pierce said.
“In the past six years as the leader of the LNG Canada team, Andy brought his deep experience in the LNG industry and new business development to create a culture of partnership and collaboration in LNG Canada,” Michael Crothers, president and country chair of Shell Canada, said in a statement. “His focus on building relationships with communities, First Nations, governments and partners before building the project, will leave a legacy that moves with LNG Canada into its next chapter.”
Calitz attributed the success of the LNG Canada project to the many stakeholders involved in Canada’s first world-scale LNG project. From First Nations to local communities to the provincial and federal governments, all were instrumental in getting the project to FID.
“I credit the success of our company to the partnerships we have built; to the willingness of the Haisla Nation and other First Nations to share their traditional knowledge with us, resulting in a better project design,” he said. “The market access of the five joint venture partners (Shell, Malaysia’s Petronas, PetroChina, Japan’s Mitsubishi and Korea Gas) and their combined insight into LNG projects also proved to be decisive. We have focused on being the kind of company, and delivering the kind of project, British Columbians and Canadians could be proud of.”
Zebedee, a native of Canada, brings more than 22 years experience to his new role at LNG Canada. A geological engineer and graduate of the University of British Columbia, he is responsible for all elements of Shell’s downstream manufacturing portfolio in Canada, including all operations at Scotford and at Shell’s nearby Quest carbon capture and storage facility.
“Peter Zebedee is a capable and seasoned energy industry professional, with a wealth of skills and experience gained through his 22 years in the industry – the past 10 years with Shell,” Crothers said. “His proven ability to lead large-scale facilities is a great asset in the next phase of LNG Canada.”
Zebedee will take over accountability for LNG Canada and deliver the project safely, on budget, on schedule and in full compliance with regulations, Crothers added. He will also follow through on the commitment to ensure net benefits accrue to local communities, First Nations, BC and Canada.
“As a Canadian, I am pleased to become part of such a significant company and project, one that puts Canada on the map of LNG exporting countries, and delivers natural gas to Asian markets for the first time,” Zebedee said.