Ken Hughes - Interim Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Hughes joined the WZL board in February 2005. He is an Institute of Corporate Directors certified Director, ICD.D (August, 2005) and completed the ICD Corporate Governance College, Directors Education Program (June, 2005). He is the founder and president Alpine Financial Group, a network of five property and casualty insurance brokerages throughout Alberta. A member of the Institute for Corporate Directors, Mr. Hughes was a founding Director and CFO of Hi-Alta Capital Inc. 1996-2000 (now Western Financial Group. He is currently a Director of Dycor Technologies Ltd (Edmonton) and a Trustee of the Midwest Research Institute (Kansas City). Mr. Hughes holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He was a Member of Parliament for the Alberta riding of Macleod from 1988 to 1993, and was appointed Parliamentary Assistant to the Deputy Prime Minister of Canada. In May, 2008, Mr. Hughes was appointed Chair of Alberta Health Services.
William T. Spence - Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Spence assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer on April 21, 2007. Mr. Spence is a Chartered Accountant and Lawyer. He practiced corporate, commercial and securities law for over 20 years. Prior to joining WZL, he was Chief Financial Officer of an "E & P" oil and gas company. Mr. Spence has been a director of several public and private companies. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Queen's University and an LLB from the University of Calgary.
Mark Heaton - Vice President & General Manager, Canadian Operations
Mr. Heaton, as Vice President and General Manager of Canadian Operations is responsible for the Wenzel Manufacturing Division, Canada Rental and Sales Division, as well as International Sales Division. Mr. Heaton began his industry career with a drilling contractor in 1970, and has 35 years experience using downhole drilling tools such as the Wenzel Company manufactures. Mr. Heaton has worked in both the domestic and international areas for Baker Hughes and Weatherford with a combination of field experience and senior management roles.
Alex Whyte – Vice President, Technology & Product Development
Mr. Whyte is the Vice President, Technology and Product Development. Mr. Whyte has over 30 years of experience working in the oilfield equipment manufacturing industry and directs Wenzel's focus on new products and technology improvements. Prior to WZL, he has worked for Canadian and international oilfield services companies in senior positions.
Dave Aitchison - Vice President & General Manager - United States Operations
Mr. Aitchison became Vice President and General Manager for WZL US operations in December 2006. Mr. Aitchison has over 25 years experience in the Downhole Tools business sector. Mr. Aitchison has worked both in the Domestic and International areas in several different capacities. Prior to joining WZL, he was Vice President of Global Operations for a major international service company.
Ron Patterson – Vice President
Mr. Patterson joined the Company in February 2010. He has nearly 20 years experience in the downhole drilling tool business sector. Mr. Patterson has worked both in the Domestic and International areas in several different capacities. Prior to joining WZL he was Vice-President of a leading power section manufacturing company.