Talisman Energy executive appointed as Finning CEO

Caterpillar dealer Finning International is to appoint Scott Thomson as its new president and CEO, from 17 June, succeeding Mike Waites who announced his intention to retire in January.

Mr Thomson joins Finning from Talisman Energy Inc. where he was chief financial officer. Talisman, based in Calgary, Canada, is a global oil and gas exploration and production company and one of the largest independent oil and gas companies in Canada.

Before joining Talisman, Mr Thomson held several executive positions with Bell Canada Enterprises, and he is a former vice president at Goldman, Sachs and Co.

"We are extremely pleased to announce Scott's appointment and welcome him to Finning International," said Doug Whitehead, chairman of Finning's board. "Scott's international experience, broad financial capabilities, and considerable strategic acumen complement the leadership team's existing breadth and operational strength.

“His knowledge and background, along with an energetic leadership style, make him well-equipped to build on our successful track record of creating value at Finning over the long-term."

Mr Thomson said he was "pleased to join the strong Finning management team, and I am especially excited by Finning's business opportunities. Finning is strategically well positioned, and has succeeded by focusing on operations and customers. I very much look forward to working with the team to continue to build on their success."

Doug Whitehead paid tribute to outgoing CEO Mike Waites; “Mike's dedication and wisdom have been the hallmarks of his leadership and he was instrumental in repositioning the company for future growth."

Finning is the world's largest Caterpillar equipment dealer, selling, renting and servicing equipment and engines in Western Canada, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay, the UK and Ireland.

It is also one of the top 35 equipment rental companies in the world, with rental revenues in 2012 of €290 million.