JIM W.
DAVIDSON

CAREER
& BIO

Born in 1957 in Toronto, Jim Davidson quickly adopted Calgary as his home, and became one of the most recognized and distinguished business leaders in Canada. Helping start and run one of the most successful energy focused investment banks in the world for over 25 years, an avid political participant, and one of Calgary’s most notable philanthropists, Jim has set a precedent for personal success.

Jim was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal by the Governor General for his contribution to the Canadian investment industry in 2012, and in 2013, Jim was voted as one of the 50 Most Influential Business People in Canada by Canadian Business Magazine. This is in culmination with many more accomplishments, such as being on boards, being recognized for other achievements and so forth.

Graduating from the University of Waterloo in 1980 with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies, Jim quickly quickly entered the workforce. In 1981 he found success being a Sales Trader with companies like Goulding Rose & Turner Ltd., and First Marathon Securities Ltd., before co-founding GMP FirstEnergy in 1993. He helped build FirstEnergy into one of the biggest and most successful energy investment banks in Canada.

Now joining the United Conservative Party, Jim is going provide the UCP with brilliance and stability through his wealth of experience and business acumen. Jim understands that the key to Alberta success in ensuring that people are not penalized for working hard, and that jobs are available for people.

Jim has also done a lot of philanthropic work, mainly supporting causes such Park Foundation Calgary, driving efforts for a $65 million pathway that spans 113 km around Calgary, he has supported the Calgary Humane Society by heading a $10.7 million campaign, and gave a $2-million personal donation to the Calgary Edge School for athletes. It is these efforts that won Jim the Generosity of Spirit Corporate Philanthropist Award in 2014.

With the desire to see Alberta prosper, Jim has given countless hours and dollars to the community. Along with his family and his love of dogs, Alberta is one of Jim’s great passions. He wants to see this province be as great as he know it can be, and is trying to lead the way to that reality. Through this passion and commitment he is helping to inspire the next generation of Alberta’s CEOs, entrepreneurs, business people and politicians.

 

PHILANTHROPY

Parks Foundation Calgary

- Board of Governors, Chair Fundraising Committee

Driving efforts for a $65 Million Greenway 113 kilometre pathway to encircle Calgary. Upon completion in September 2017, it will become the worlds largest urban bike path. Raised $50mm to date including a $675K personal donation.

Visit Parks Foundation Calgary

FirstEnergy Capital Corp.

- Founding Partner

Since inception in 1993, the organization has been committed to supporting the community with 2.5% of annual gross profits donated yearly, resulting in over $35 million donated to 600 local charities.

Visit GMP FirstEnergy

Edge School

- Infrastructure Support

Mr. Davidson is a long-term supporter of Edge School. The Jim Davidson Sports Complex at Edge houses two NHL-sized rinks, the Duckett Performance Centre, and our gymnasium with two NBA-sized basketball courts – facilities that hundreds of Edge students and countless community members have benefited from since 2008.

Visit Edge School

Calgary Humane Society

- Co-chair Leaps and Bounds Capital Campaign

Headed $10.7 million campaign for a new shelter and care for homeless animals.

Visit Calgary Humane Society

AWARDS

///  Inducted into the IIAC Investment Industry Hall of Fame which honours excellence, integrity, and leadership in Canada’s investment industry.

/// Awarded the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' by the Oil & Gas Council which celebrates the successes of those individuals who have made a true difference in the Canadian oil and gas industry.

/// Awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal by the Governor General of Canada for an impactful contribution to the Canadian investment industry.

/// Received the University of Waterloo 'Alumni Achievement Award' in recognition of significant public service and philanthropy contributions to the community, as well as professional and academic fields.

///  Recognized as one of Canada’s 'Top 50 Most Powerful Business People' according to Canadian Business Magazine.

///  Calgary Pinnacle Award for community, entrepreneurial spirit, and leadership.

SPEAKING

From handling complex transactions, to managing a vastly successful company, Jim has a wealth of experience in the business world that he can share with you and your team. Jim has been one of Canada’s most prominent business people for quite some time, and has an incredible desire to influence and mentor other business people.

Having been the keynote speaker for many engagements, Jim has the experience and the content to make your next event a great one.

In March of 2018, Jim was the keynote speaker at the EPAC Awards for explorers and producers in the Oil and Gas industry, and was specifically talking to industry leaders about the future of their profession.

Jim believes that leadership is an integral part of life. Leaders are absolutely necessary when it comes to the running of a business, project, government, community or family. Although he absolutely sees executive leadership as necessary, it is the everyday acts of leadership that Jim deems to be the most important, and he recognizes that every person has the ability to be a leader in some regard. It is this concept of leadership that Jim is most passionate about, and is wanting to share with corporate teams.

Having experience in many different fields, Jim is also able to speak on investment, Oil and Gas, business operations, leadership, mentorship and politics.

Jim has also done many talks for philanthropic causes, recently being the keynote speaker at the Edge School Alumni Luncheon, being heavily involved in the Calgary Humane Society, and having a huge influence over the Calgary Greenway.

If you are looking for a business and community leader to address your group, you can book Jim to speak for your event below.

CONTACT