Todd McRae: A Senior Executive Leader in the Oil and Gas Sector
Todd McRae is an experienced and influential legal professional in the oil and gas industry, currently serving as the Vice President of Legal at Pacific Oil & Gas, based in Calgary, Alberta. With over 25 years of extensive experience in managing large-scale international and domestic projects, Todd has proven his expertise in corporate governance, risk management, and strategic decision-making. His diverse background in legal affairs, combined with his leadership capabilities, makes him a key figure in the energy sector.
Early Life and Education
Todd McRae’s journey to becoming a respected figure in the oil and gas sector began with his education. He earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Saskatchewan between 1993 and 1996, equipping him with the foundational legal knowledge to pursue his career. Prior to his law degree, Todd completed a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics from the same institution, which further honed his analytical and strategic thinking skills. This combination of legal and economic expertise has been pivotal in his successful career in the energy sector.
Career Path and Professional Experience
Todd McRae’s professional career spans several prestigious companies and roles, showcasing his versatility and leadership in the legal field.
Vice President Legal at Pacific Oil & Gas
Since February 2020, Todd McRae has been serving as the Vice President, Legal at Pacific Oil & Gas, a role that involves overseeing legal affairs for the company’s international operations. In this capacity, Todd plays an essential part in negotiating complex legal agreements, providing commercial and risk analysis, and managing legal support across multiple jurisdictions. His ability to handle intricate legal matters within the energy sector, including oil, gas, and infrastructure projects, has been key to the company’s success.
His role also entails overseeing corporate governance, compliance frameworks, and risk management protocols, ensuring that Pacific Oil & Gas adheres to international standards and regulations. As a senior executive, Todd is involved in high-level decision-making, particularly in areas of asset acquisition, corporate dispositions, and strategic business planning.
Senior Legal Consultant at AltaGas Ltd.
Before joining Pacific Oil & Gas, Todd McRae was a Senior Legal Consultant at AltaGas Ltd. from July 2016 to January 2017. During this time, he supported the company’s natural gas liquids and power projects, providing contract and business support for major infrastructure projects, including EPFC (Engineering, Procurement, Fabrication, and Construction) and maintenance. Todd’s role included developing legal templates, contract management protocols, and offering strategic guidance on project development and execution. His work at AltaGas further solidified his position as a trusted legal advisor in the energy sector.
Vice President, Legal & General Counsel at TAQA North
From 2008 to 2015, Todd McRae held the position of Vice President, Legal & General Counsel at TAQA North, a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA). In this leadership role, he was responsible for designing, establishing, and leading legal, supply chain, and government relations functions for the company. Todd played a crucial role in developing corporate governance, compliance, and risk management frameworks that contributed to the company’s operational success.
Todd’s work at TAQA North was pivotal in managing the company’s corporate strategies, negotiating complex contracts, and ensuring compliance with international regulations. His ability to coordinate with global teams and executive leadership made him an indispensable part of the company’s executive team.
Legal Counsel, International New Ventures Exploration Division at Encana
Prior to his time at TAQA North, Todd McRae worked as Legal Counsel, International New Ventures Exploration Division at Encana Corporation from 2003 to 2005. In this role, Todd was responsible for supporting the company’s operations in Brazil and offshore East Coast Canada. He provided contract and business support for joint study and bidding arrangements, as well as offshore operations, including seismic acquisition and interpretation. Todd’s work at Encana allowed him to gain valuable experience in managing complex legal matters across multiple jurisdictions, further honing his expertise in the energy sector.
Key Skills and Expertise
Todd McRae’s career is built upon a foundation of core skills that have enabled him to excel in the highly competitive and complex energy industry. Some of his most notable areas of expertise include:
Corporate Governance and Risk Management
Todd has a deep understanding of corporate governance, compliance frameworks, and risk management, which are essential in the highly regulated oil and gas industry. His ability to develop and implement governance structures ensures that his organizations operate with transparency, accountability, and strategic foresight.
International Negotiations and Legal Agreements
Having worked in various international legal roles, Todd has developed exceptional skills in negotiating complex legal agreements, both onshore and offshore. His experience includes facilitating joint venture agreements, acquisition and disposal of assets, and overseeing large-scale infrastructure projects.
Leadership and Strategic Planning
With his extensive leadership experience, Todd McRae is known for his ability to lead cross-functional teams and navigate complex business challenges. He has consistently demonstrated sound judgment, strong interpersonal skills, and creative problem-solving in high-pressure situations. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, empowerment, and achieving strategic objectives through effective decision-making.
Achievements and Recognition
Throughout his career, Todd McRae has earned a reputation for being a results-oriented leader who drives success through strategic thinking and legal expertise. His contributions to major energy projects and his role in corporate governance and risk management have been widely recognized by his peers and industry leaders.
At Pacific Oil & Gas, Todd has played a pivotal role in supporting the company’s expansion and international ventures, while at the same time ensuring that legal and compliance matters are addressed in accordance with global standards. His work with major corporations such as AltaGas, TAQA North, and Encana has cemented his status as a respected figure in the legal and energy sectors.
Personal Approach to Leadership
Todd McRae is known for his personal emphasis on building collaborative solutions and empowering teams. He believes in creating an inclusive work environment where every team member’s ideas and contributions are valued. His leadership philosophy focuses on cultivating trust, fostering open communication, and driving innovation to meet corporate goals.
Todd’s ability to blend technical expertise with strong interpersonal skills has made him a valuable asset to the organizations he has worked with. His approach to leadership is centered on achieving results through teamwork, transparency, and ethical practices.
Conclusion
Todd McRae’s career is a testament to his expertise in the energy sector and his commitment to excellence in legal and corporate governance. With over 25 years of experience, he has successfully managed large-scale international and domestic projects, guided major acquisitions and dispositions, and played an integral role in the development of corporate strategies.
As Vice President, Legal at Pacific Oil & Gas, Todd continues to demonstrate leadership, drive success, and contribute to the growth of the company. His extensive experience, analytical capabilities, and commitment to collaboration have made him a respected figure in both the legal and energy sectors. With a career marked by sound judgment, strong leadership, and a passion for fostering growth, Todd McRae remains a key player in the oil and gas industry.
