Leadership
Alex R.N. MacAuslandPresident and Chief Executive Officer
Mr. MacAusland, a founder of Western, has over 31 years of management and operational experience in the oilfield services industry in western Canada and the United States. Prior to being appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Western, Mr. MacAusland was President and Chief Operating Officer of Western from December 8, 2009 to December 1, 2013. Mr. MacAusland was also President and CEO of Horizon Drilling Inc., a western Canadian based drilling and service provider, since February 2008. Previously, Mr. MacAusland was Senior Vice President of IROC Energy Services Corp., overseeing Eagle Well Servicing, Mission Drilling and Aero Rentals. Prior to that he was at Precision Drilling Corporation for 15 years in various capacities including Rig Manager and Contract Sales, followed by General Manager and then Vice President Operations responsible for Precision’s well servicing rig fleet, snubbing, camp and catering divisions.
GAVIN LANE, MBA, CFA, CPA, CGAChief Financial Officer
Mr. Lane has over 19 years of experience in finance and operational leadership within the energy industry. Gavin’s career has spanned both start-up companies and global billion-dollar organizations. As the CFO of BTG Energy Corp. (“BTG”), from 2020 to 2023, a privately held company, Mr. Lane played a pivotal role in BTG's focus on identifying, investing in, and enhancing the value of assets in the Canadian midstream sector. Prior to this Gavin served as the CFO of Animus Capital Partners Inc., a private merchant banking firm providing specialized financial and advisory services globally in select industries. From 2005 to 2018, Mr. Lane held progressively more senior positions with Trinidad Drilling Ltd. (“Trinidad”). Trinidad was a TSX listed, billion-dollar international contract driller with operations in Canada, US, Mexico, and the Middle East. In 2018 Trinidad Drilling was acquired by Ensign Energy Services. Gavin’s roles included Divisional Controller, Corporate Controller, VP Finance, Senior VP - Canadian Drilling Operations, and an Advisor to The Board of Directors. Gavin holds a BSc from the University of Alberta, and MBA from McMaster University, is a CFA Charter holder and a Chartered Professional Accountant of Canada.
Peter J. Balkwill, CPA, CAVice President, Finance
Mr. Balkwill is a Chartered Accountant with 30 years of experience in international and domestic oilfield services. Immediately prior to joining Western, Mr. Balkwill held the position of Chief Financial Officer at an internationally focused energy services company and has previously held senior financial positions with Saxon Energy Services, Precision Drilling and Schlumberger.
April WilliamsVice President, Human Resources
Ms. Williams is the Vice President, Human Resources bringing 20 years of experience within the drilling services industry. Ms. Williams is a results-oriented leader with achievements in the development and execution of Human Resources strategies in both the North American and International markets. Areas of focus have included; employee relations and engagement, human capital planning, compensation and benefits, training and development, immigration, and project management. Prior to joining Western, Ms. Williams held various leadership roles primarily those during her 17-year tenure with Trinidad Drilling Ltd. where she held the role of Director, Human Resources, responsible for the oversight of the HR function globally.