Advertisement

Irving Oil president to step down as company undergoes strategic review

Click to play video: 'Irving Oil launches strategic review, considers selling'
Irving Oil launches strategic review, considers selling
Irving Oil, one of New Brunswick's largest employers and the operator of Canada's largest refinery, issued a statement on Wednesday that said the company was undergoing a strategic review that it is looking as a series of options about its future, including the possibility of a sale. Silas Brown has more – Jun 7, 2023

The president of Irving Oil is stepping down as the company undergoes a strategic review that includes the possible sale of the business.

A news release Monday said Ian Whitcomb has made a “personal decision” to leave after more than eight years on the job, and will continue in his role until June 9.

Chief financial officer Jeff Matthews will lead the strategic review.

Maureen Kempston-Darkes, lead director of Irving Oil’s board of directors, said Matthews has been with the company for more than 29 years and understands the evolving needs of customers and communities.

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The company has said its strategic review will consider whether the business will be given a new ownership structure, be sold in part or in full or whether there will be changes in its portfolio of assets and how it operates them.

Story continues below advertisement

“The strategic review of the company is ongoing and outcomes associated with it are not yet clear,” Kempston-Darkes said in the news release.

Irving Oil operates Canada’s largest oil refinery, and has more than 900 gas stations and a network of distribution terminals throughout the East Coast and New England.

There have been other changes in the company’s leadership: the website shows Arthur Irving as chairman emeritus, and his daughter, Sarah Irving, who was executive vice president and chief brand officer, is no longer listed. When the strategic review began in June, Arthur Irving was chairman.

New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs held numerous positions at Irving Oil in Saint John, until his retirement in 2010 when he stepped down as director of logistics and distribution.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 26, 2024.

Sponsored content

AdChoices