DAVIDSON
CAREER
& BIO.
Born and raised in Toronto, educated at University of Waterloo, Jim’s career has been driven through his home base in Calgary and today he is recognized as one of the most distinguished business leaders in Canada.
Most recently Deputy Chairman of GMP FirstEnergy, Canada’s leading energy-focused investment bank, Jim retired from his role in October 2018. As co-founder of FirstEnergy in 1993, Jim focused on building a customer centric team to become the world’s premier choice for energy sector investment banking.
His ability to lead through example and open-minded collaboration ensures that his perspective is always in high demand in business, community, and political arenas. The national media often call upon Jim for his expertise in business, energy, and investment banking.
In 2016, he was both inducted into the IIAC Investment Industry Hall of Fame and awarded a "Lifetime Achievement Award" by the Oil & Gas Council. Moreover, in 2013, Canadian Business magazine recognized Jim as one of Canada’s Top 50 Most Powerful Business People. Jim is recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal by the Governor General of Canada.
Through Jim’s leadership, GMP FirstEnergy won numerous awards for both business leadership and community service. Previously, as FirstEnergy, the company was recognized as one of “Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies” and the “Best Workplace for Volunteerism and Community Involvement." In 2014, FirstEnergy was awarded the “Generosity of Spirit Corporate Philanthropist” award during National Philanthropy Week.
Incorporating his core values, Jim takes his passion for building a strong community to heart, translating his business acumen into significant outcomes for the city. From infrastructure to the arts, Jim's contributions have helped build skating arenas, animal shelters, and recreational facilities. Most recently, Jim was Chairman of the Parks Foundation Calgary Fundraising Committee where he helped to raise $65 million for the Greenway Project. Over the last 25 years, Jim along with his colleagues and clients have supported over 600 diverse charities to enable these groups to better serve the community.
Jim’s stewardship includes tenure as governor of the former Alberta Stock Exchange and board of trustees of The Fraser Institute. He is also an honorary board member for the Calgary Humane Society and Memorial University of Newfoundland.
