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. 

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.