Retiring Pengrowth CEO plans role as advocate for misunderstood oilpatch
CALGARY — The retiring CEO of Pengrowth Energy Corp. says Canadian oil and gas leaders have been too “shy” to speak out in support of their industry and he plans to help fill that vacuum as he leaves the job he’s held since 2009.
The disconnect between average Canadians and the industry in terms of pipeline and drilling technology safety, and their inability to see how importing oil hurts domestic producers, can in part be blamed on the inaction of industry leaders, said Derek Evans. He blames himself as much as anyone.
“I think we’ve got far too many engineers and accountants running oil and gas companies that don’t feel we need to stand up,” the 61-year-old said in an interview.
“We need to create a real dialogue. That’s one of my hopes as we drive forward. … I just don’t think we’ve given it enough of a shot.”