Steve Williams

Calgary, AB

CEO, Energy, Engineering, Executive

© A New Era for Extractives: Oleg V. Deripaska, Steve Williams, World Economic Forum
Steve Williams is an English-born engineer and senior executive known for his long career in the global energy sector. With more than four decades of experience, he has held top roles at major companies like Esso, Suncor Energy, and Enbridge. Williams came to prominence leading Suncor as its president and CEO, and later for helping to guide Enbridge as a board member and, eventually, as its chairman, beginning in 2025. He is also notable for contributing to the global conversation about sustainable development and how it should guide technological innovation in the energy industry. Williams is also well-known throughout that sector as one of the 12 CEOs who founded Canada’s Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA).

Early life

Steve Williams was born on February 5, 1956, in Bristol, England in the United Kingdom. He studied chemical engineering at Exeter University, where he earned an Honours Bachelor of Science degree. His early academic path primed him for a career based in technical expertise—something he would later blend with leadership training to achieve success in the corporate world. Williams later augmented his education through advanced business programs at Oxford University and the Harvard Business School.

Career

After graduating from Exeter University, Steve Williams began his professional life in 1977 with Esso Petroleum Company Limited, which is the British arm of Exxon. All totalled, he spent 18 years there, gaining comprehensive experience of, if not the whole scope of the business, a great many important and varied areas of it. He then joined Innospec as an executive before making a major career move in 2002, when he relocated to Canada to join Suncor Energy.

At Suncor, Williams served as executive vice president for Corporate Development and chief financial officer. He later oversaw oil sands operations and became chief operating officer between the years of 2007 and 2011. In 2012, Williams was appointed president and CEO of the company, and would lead Suncor until he retired from the role in 2019. Under his leadership, the company focused on responsible development, technological innovation, and long-term stability, all the while maintaining a healthy profit.

Williams joined the Enbridge board of directors in 2022. In that role, he served on key committees, contributing to various operational areas—everything from safety to reliability to compensation oversight. In May 2025, he was elected chairman of Enbridge’s board.

Alongside his corporate positions, Williams has also served on the boards of organizations such as Alcoa and the Business Council of Canada. He has also been a member of the advisory board of Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission since that organization was first created.

Net Worth

As of November 2025, GuruFocus estimates that Steve Williams’ net worth is in excess of $31 million.

Achievement

Joining Suncor Energy as executive vice president and CFO in 2002.

Becoming chief operating officer of Suncor Energy 2007.

Leading Suncor Energy as president and CEO from 2012 to 2019.

Attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, France as part of Canada’s official delegation in 2015.

Being appointed to the National Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy by the Prime Minister of Canada in 2005.

Serving on the Enbridge board of directors beginning in 2022, and becoming chairman in 2025.

Founding Canada’s Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA) as one of its 12 original CEOs.

Joining the board of directors of the Alcoa Corporation.

Joining the board of directors of the Business Council of Canada.

Serving on the advisory board of Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission since it was first established.