Don Thompson

As Executive Advisor, Sustainability and Oil Sands Outreach at Canadian Oil Sands, Don Thompson engages the public in an open dialogue about the challenges and opportunities associated with responsible oil sands development. This includes discussing Syncrude Canada Ltd.’s commitment to sustainable development. Mr. Thompson also acts as an advisor to COS, focusing on continued improvement in environmental performance at Syncrude.

Mr. Thompson is the Past President of The Oil Sands Developers Group (OSDG).  As President, he was the external voice presenting OSDG members’ actions and ideas to audiences primarily across Canada and in the United States – industry, community and government.  Don is passionate in his efforts to balance the conversation about one of Canada’s greatest treasures – the Oil Sands.  

As a result of his three year outreach program, Don established strong working relationships with business, industry and government leaders within Canada and internationally. As a veteran of the oil sands industry, Don served in his capacity with OSDG through the support of Syncrude Canada Ltd. where he worked for more than 30 years.

Don has travelled extensively to speak in major cities and smaller communities that contribute to and benefit from oil sands development. Over the past three years he has delivered the oil sands facts to more than 150 audiences and given over 700 media interviews around the globe.

Scott Arnold

Scott Arnold is the Director, Sustainability and External Relations of Canadian Oil Sands.  In this role, he is responsible for coordinating COS’ efforts to steward Syncrude across all key measures of sustainability as well as to communicate to a wide range of stakeholders the challenges and benefits of oil sands development.  Scott joined COS in 2005, and prior to his current position held the position of Assistant Treasurer.   Earlier in his career, Scott worked in the Financial Advisory group at Deloitte & Touche, LLP.  Scott holds an MBA with a specialization in Global Energy Management and Sustainability from the University of Calgary as well as a Chartered Accountant designation.