Talisman CEO J. Buckee: 'Path Toward Peace' Through Economic Development
National Post, November 12
By Claudia Cattaneo, Financial Post
Calgary's Boom: Key Players
Name: James Buckee, 53.
Job: President and chief executive of Talisman Energy.
Estimated 1999 revenue: $2.3-billion. Compensation in 1998:
$853,000 in salary and bonus.
Why noteworthy: In seven years, Mr. Buckee has built
Talisman into Canada's largest oil and gas company by
production. The industry's most voracious acquisitor,
Talisman's purchases include Rigel Energy for $1.2-billion in
August and Arakis Energy for about $295-million last year.
With Arakis, Talisman gained a 25% interest in a world-class
oilfield in Sudan -- but also a public relations challenge. The
company is being targeted by human rights organizations for
helping Sudan's government gain revenue from oil, which they
claim is being used to fuel a 16-year civil war. The Canadian
government has asked Mr. Buckee to use his influence with
the country's leaders to help broker a peace deal.
How he got there: Born in Winchester, Britain, Mr. Buckee
received a Bachelor of Science degree with honours in physics
from the University of Western Australia. In 1970, he earned
a doctorate in astrophysics from Oxford University. He worked
for Shell International, Burma Oil and British Petroleum in
Canada, the Middle East, Britain, Norway and Alaska.
Passions: Mr. Buckee is an accomplished woodworker and
enjoys playing squash and reading.
Quote unquote: "This oilfield may be a key part of Sudan's post-war economy.
The best path toward peace will be in economic development, constructive
dialogue and a fair, honest assessment of the real situation in Sudan."
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