2013 MAX Award winner announced

Thomas Buchanan, CEO and director of Calgary-based Spyglass Resources Corp is the 2013 recipient of the Haskayne School of Business’ prestigious Management Alumni Excellence (MAX) award. This award recognizes the outstanding success of Haskayne alumni, celebrating personal achievement and extraordinary service to both the school and the community.

“We are honoured to include Tom as part of the select group of distinguished alumni who have received the MAX Award,” says Jim Dewald dean of the Haskayne School of Business. “He is a strong leader and innovator, and embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Calgary and Alberta. We are proud to call him a Haskayne alumnus.”

A prominent oil and gas leader, Buchanan credits the Haskayne School of Business with helping build the foundation for his future career.

“The University of Calgary and the Haskayne School of Business were instrumental in helping shape my career aspirations, entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm for business. I am very grateful to Haskayne for providing me with the strong foundation of education and skills that has helped me achieve success in my career,” says Buchanan. “I am a proud alumnus and remain committed to helping Haskayne achieve its goal of being one of Canada’s premier business schools and to further enhance its role as a valued and respected partner in Calgary’s business community.”

Buchanan earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree at Haskayne in 1979, completed his chartered accountant designation in 1981 and was appointed a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants in 2010.

It was in 1983 after joining Merland Explorations, however, that Buchanan launched his career in the oil and gas industry. He went on to co-found Founders Energy in 1993 with seed capital of $700,000. In 2001, Founders became the first energy company to convert into an oil and gas trust when Provident Energy Trust was created. Under Buchanan’s leadership Provident grew into a $4.5 Billion diversified energy company with a large portfolio of upstream and midstream assets in Canada and the United States.

In 2010, after the sale of Provident’s upstream business, Buchanan became chairman and CEO of Charger Energy and most recently took on the role of director and CEO of Spyglass Resources Corp. in 2013. Buchanan is also a director on the boards of Pembina Pipeline Corp., Athabasca Oil Corp., and Hawk Exploration Ltd. 

In addition to his work in the oil and gas industry, Buchanan is passionate about education and sports. He is chair of Renfrew Educational Services, a member of the Management Advisory Council for the Haskayne School of Business and previously served as the chair and director of the Edge School for Athletes.

Buchanan will receive his award at a gala dinner on Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at Calgary’s Fairmont Palliser Hotel.

MAX award recipients are voted by their alumni peers, student leaders and faculty representatives. They have demonstrated service to the Haskayne School of Business, embracing the schools core values of ethical leadership and advocating higher education. They have also positively influenced the lives of others, and have made significant contributions in their profession.

Of the more than 21,000 Haskayne grads in 83 countries around the world, 14 distinguished alumni have now received the Management Alumni Excellence (MAX) Award since its inception in 2000. Previous recipients – and proud alumni – include Mike Tims, Charlie Fischer, Hal Kvisle, W. Brett Wilson, Lesley Conway, Brian Bass, David Byler, Ken McKinnon, Russ Girling, George Gosbee, Mike Shaikh, Eva Friesen and Helen Wesley.