Mike Crabtree Saskatchewan

Mike Crabtree Saskatchewan currently occupies the prominent role of President and CEO at the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC), building on his previous experience as Vice-President of the Energy Division. He effectively leads the council's strategic initiatives, particularly in critical sectors such as mining, energy, and oil and gas, which are vital for Saskatchewan's economic landscape. Previously, he was the Chairman of Quickthree Solutions and now serves as the Chairman of WFI Inc., an oilfield service company in Texas. His extensive experience includes a board membership at the Canadian Heavy Oil Association and his role as founder and CEO of Oilflow Solutions Inc. Additionally, he held several senior executive and R&D positions at Schlumberger Inc. With a career that spans more than three decades in the oil, gas, and clean energy sectors, he brings a wealth of knowledge in field operations, management, and research and development. His academic credentials are solid, holding a Master’s degree in petroleum engineering and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He has filled numerous significant roles, including CEO, vice president, and executive chairman. In these capacities, he has been responsible for leading high-performance teams, spearheading successful research and development efforts, and crafting strategic plans to implement innovative technologies. He is also skilled in shareholder relations and board governance and has demonstrated a strong ability to fund and secure public and private equity funds. As Executive Chairman of WFI Inc., his leadership was vital in navigating the company through tough economic challenges by implementing cost-saving strategies while preserving key services and staff, leading to significant growth between 2017 and 2018. His strategic guidance at Quickthree Solutions Inc. resulted in successfully developing and selling the company’s innovative Frac Sand Management technology in 2018. A committed advocate for clean energy, his efforts at Carbon Engineering were pivotal in developing and marketing groundbreaking carbon dioxide capture and sequestration technology, which led to a profitable partnership with Summit Power. His knack for securing significant investments is well noted, having secured $7 million in private equity for Monterra Energy and raising $40 million for Oilflow Solutions Ltd. His career started in 1985 with Schlumberger Inc., where he began as a Petroleum and Drilling Engineer, working in various locations across the United States, Africa, and the Middle East. He also managed TR Oil Services, which is now part of Clariant Chemical Services. Since joining SRC in 2013 as Vice-President of the Energy Division, he has driven the organization through substantial growth, initiating key projects such as the Post Chops Well Test Centre and the Centre for the Demonstration of Emissions Reductions. In April 2019, he advanced to President and CEO, under which SRC has significantly boosted its oil & gas research initiatives supported by robust grant funding. He is currently leading the development of North America’s first vertically integrated Rare Earth Processing Facility and Saskatchewan’s first microreactor. Beyond his professional duties, Mike Crabtree enjoys squash, skiing, playing blues guitar, painting, and reading. His leadership continues to significantly influence the advancement of technology and industry in Saskatchewan’s key sectors.