Welcome

---

On behalf of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, I am honoured to welcome you to our 2025 Canadian Business Leader Awards ceremony. 

Tonight is not only a celebration of outstanding business leadership — it’s a celebration of community. We are proud to shine a spotlight on the many community partners joining us this evening, whose efforts help create a more inclusive, innovative, and connected Canada. Their involvement underscores the powerful role that collaboration between business and community can play in building a stronger future for us all. 

This evening, we recognize the remarkable contributions of Rich Kruger and Jay Westman. Both honourees exemplify the values of excellence, innovation, collaboration and leadership. Their stories inspire us and remind us that business success and social impact go hand in hand.  

I would like to thank the BMO Centre, our esteemed sponsors and all those whose dedication have made tonight’s event possible. Please enjoy yourselves as you participate in what is sure to be a memorable evening!   

Candace Laing
President & CEO 
Canadian Chamber of Commerce 

Evening Program

---

5:00 p.m.	Cocktail Reception
6:00 p.m.	Opening Remarks by Candace Laing
6:45 p.m.	Presentation of the Canadian Business Leader of the Year Award
7:15 p.m.	Main Course Followed by Dessert, Coffee and Tea with Instrumental Entertainment
8:00 p.m.	Presentation of the Canadian Business Leader Lifetime Achievement Award
8:25 p.m.	Closing Remarks
8:30 p.m.	Evening Concludes

About the Canadian Business Leader Awards 

---

Our Canadian Business Leader of the Year Award and Canadian Business Leader Lifetime Achievement Award were established to celebrate and recognize Canadian business executives at the top of their fields who have distinguished themselves through stellar corporate leadership and meaningful contributions to their communities. 

Past Recipients  

---

Explore the remarkable leaders we’ve honoured over the years. 

2025 Honourees | Calgary, AB

---

Canadian Business Leader of the Year

Rich joined Suncor in April 2023 with 40 years of global experience in the energy industry, including extensive experience in the Canadian oil sands. Since joining Suncor, Rich’s priorities have been to increase the organization’s focus on the fundamentals and improve overall performance.   

Rich was Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Imperial Oil Limited, a major petroleum refiner, producer of crude oil and fuels marketer in Canada, for nearly seven years, from 2013 until his retirement in December 2019. 

Prior to Imperial, Rich was Vice President of Exxon Mobil Corporation and President of ExxonMobil Production Company responsible for the company’s global oil and gas producing operations. In total, Rich worked for Exxon Mobil Corporation and its predecessor companies since 1981 in various upstream and downstream assignments with responsibilities in the United States, the former Soviet Union, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. 

Rich has deep experience in successfully driving a strong performance culture focused on safety, reliability and operational excellence, with a proven track record of enabling companies to deliver exceptional financial results and returns to shareholders. He holds a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston. 

Canadian Business Leader Lifetime Achievement Award 

Jay Westman is a highly respected Canadian entrepreneur, visionary leader, and philanthropist, widely recognized for his remarkable contributions to the homebuilding industry and his ongoing commitment to community development. As the co-founder, Chairman, and CEO of Jayman BUILT and JWI Investments, Jay launched the company in 1980 alongside his late father and mentor, Al Westman. Since then, he has guided Jayman BUILT to become one of Western Canada’s most prominent homebuilders, earning the prestigious title of Builder of the Year in Alberta 25 times.

A lifelong learner and passionate builder, Jay holds a Business Administration designation from SAIT, graduating in 1984, and credits much of his success to the invaluable lessons he has learned throughout his career. He has played a key role in several influential organizations, including the Calgary Business Group, Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), and TEC (The Executive Committee). In addition, he is a founding director of both the Professional Home Builders Association and the Alberta Home Builders Association and has served as past chair of Alberta New Home Warranty.

Jay’s commitment to innovation extends far beyond the building industry, particularly in the realm of environmental sustainability. In 2005, he was instrumental in bringing Built Green to Canada, promoting eco-friendly building practices. Through the Westman Charitable Foundation, he has contributed millions of dollars to causes that resonate with him, such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research, ending homelessness and educational initiatives. His philanthropic efforts include a $3 million donation to MS research and $5 million to the University of Calgary’s Westman Centre for Real Estate Studies. Jay’s charitable efforts extend to organizations like Calgary Health Trust, which received $2.4 million, and the Mustard Seed, which was given $1.4 million, along with his contributions to the Resolve Homelessness Campaign, which totaled over $70 million in funds raised through Jayman BUILT and other prominent Alberta builders.

Entertainment

---

The Swingsetters are a group of young, tight and lively jazz musicians from Calgary, Alberta. Austin, Alex and Ben play a mix of West Coast cool jazz, modern hits jazzed up and classic jazz standards and their improvisation is creative and compelling.

Alex is the drum master and his flow, improvisational skills and the ability to read a room are unmatched. He has a breadth of gigging experience around Calgary and is a former drum teacher at Beat It Music. His ability to enhance and bring to life a song in new ways is something that creates a memorable performance for every event.

Austin is the virtuoso electric guitar player and his jazzy, funky and tasteful licks dance over any song. He sings with a smooth jazz tone that brings new life to classic songs. He has an impeccable ability to play melodically and improvise on his instrument. With his energetic stage presence and vast repertoire of songs, he helps bring life to every event.

Ben is the bass player who holds down the groove of the songs. He is a music producer at White Spruce Music and has post-secondary music experience. His walking bass lines and creativity help take the group’s songs to a new level. His deep repertoire and ability to adapt quickly make him a true asset to the group.

Thank You to Our Sponsors