Robert Youden
Chief Executive Officer

Robert P. Youden is Chief Executive Officer of the Jacques Whitford’s group of companies and also sits on Jacques Whitford’s Board of Directors. Robert joined Jacques Whitford in 2003 from J.D. Irving Limited where he was vice-president of transportation. In the 6 years since his appointment, he has been leading the company through remarkable growth, expanding the firm across the continent from 900 to 1,800 highly skilled employees. Under Bob’s leadership Jacques Whitford continues to advance and improve their standing as recognized leader in sustainable practices as well as traditional engineering services. The company is committed to exceeding expectations and performance levels and providing innovative, cost-effective solutions to help clients solve their business challenges.

With over 30 years of progressive business, management and leadership experience Bob has also served on a number of advisory boards, including the National Marine Advisory Board of the Canadian Coastguard. He is currently Treasurer and member of the executive committee of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Bob received his B.Comm from Dalhousie University and is a member of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants.  

Tim Olson
President Central Canada Operations

A geotechnical engineer and co-founder of the firm’s Toronto operations, Tim has been with Jacques Whitford since 1991. He has held a number of local, regional and company-wide management positions, and has been instrumental in building our Toronto-area and Ontario regional offices into thriving and consistently profitable business groups. Tim graduated from the University of Toronto (B.A.Sc.) and the Queen's University executive program. He is a member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario and the Canadian Geotechnical Society, and has served on several municipal environmental advisory committees.

John Adams
President Atlantic Canada & International Operations

After obtaining his engineering degrees (B.Sc., M.Sc.) at the University of New Brunswick, John spent 16 years in Calgary, followed by ten years in Aberdeen Scotland where he worked in both the downstream and upstream oil and gas industry. He came to Jacques Whitford in late 2005 from BJ Services Ltd.’s process and pipeline division where he was the global manager for over twenty offices in thirteen countries. John has extensive international experience, having managed projects in over 40 countries during his career. Prior to his 15 years at BJ, John was president of Pulsearch where he and his team developed and patented several devices for pipeline inspection and down hole drilling. John has published over forty technical papers and held positions on a variety of industry associations during his working career.

Bob Seager
President Jacques Whitford-AXYS

Bob joined Jacques Whitford in 2005 from the acquisition of AXYS Environmental Consulting Ltd where he was President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Today, as the President of Jacques Whitford AXYS Ltd., he is overseeing the western Canadian operations of the company. Bob also serves as President of five affiliate companies and is a Director of nine Joint Venture companies in western and northern Canada. Bob is a Professional Biologist and has 31 years of experience in the environmental and public consultation fields in Canada and has managed numerous environmental impact assessments, including public and Aboriginal consultation programs for pipeline and oil sands developments. He has served as an expert witness on numerous occasions at National Energy Board and Alberta Energy and Utilities Board hearings. Bob has experience starting and operating his own consulting company and previously held management positions with NOVA Gas Transmission. 

Mike Whitford
Executive Vice President Service & Quality

As a co-founding partner of the firm, Mike has been a technical and business leader, mentor and role model since our inception. In 1975, he initiated the company’s first office expansion to Saint John, New Brunswick, and was pivotal in establishing and building Jacques Whitford’s leading status throughout Atlantic Canada. Mike received his B.Sc. in civil engineering from the University of New Brunswick and is a member of numerous professional organizations, including: the Engineering Institute of Canada, the Canadian Geotechnical Society, the Consulting Engineers of New Brunswick and the Association of Consulting Engineers of Canada. As Executive Vice-President of Quality, Risk and Safety, his responsibilities include implementation of systems to support technical excellence, outstanding service delivery, quality management, health and safety, client feedback and technical professional development.

Rick Muzyk
Executive Vice President Business Development &
National Accounts

Rick joined Jacques Whitford in 1999 with a mandate to develop value-added solutions to our real estate, financial and institutional clients. Prior to joining Jacques Whitford, he was vice-president and partner in a large Ontario-based consulting engineering firm. Rick graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1973 with a B.Sc. in civil engineering, and has since been providing technical and business leadership to consulting firms in Canada and the United States. From 1987 to 1993, he was a managing partner of a Winnipeg-based structural engineering firm which he co-founded. At Jacques Whitford, he has played a central role in establishing and growing the facility assessment and sustainable renewal service line and is chair of the Principals Committee. As Executive Vice-President of Business Development and National Accounts, he is responsible for corporate business development, overall management of national accounts and marketing and communications. 

Frank McLean
Executive Vice-President Human Resources

Frank has been with Jacques Whitford since 1999, at which time he took the lead in developing our corporate human resources team, activities, policies and services to meet our growing needs. He has extensive experience directing a full range of human resources services in both the public and private sectors. Since Frank joined Jacques Whitford, the company has repeatedly won awards as a Top 100 Employer in Canada and has also been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 10 Family Friendly Employers. He has held senior positions with the Bank of Montreal, the Province of Nova Scotia and KPMG Consulting. Frank is a member of the Human Resources Association of Nova Scotia and the International Personnel Management Association. He was National President - Canadian Public Personnel Management Association, and is an Honorary Life Member of the International Personnel Management Association. Frank graduated with a B.B.A. from the University of New Brunswick and holds IPMA-CP, FICB and CHRP designations.

Todd Bethune
Executive Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Todd came to Jacques Whitford in 2003 from Ernst & Young’s corporate finance practice where he was a vice-president. Todd’s background includes specialized experience related to mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures across a broad range of industries. Previously, Todd was employed by Emera Inc., a major energy and services company in Atlantic Canada and northern New England. His roles included senior manager, corporate planning and analysis and corporate controller. As a volunteer, he has worked with UNICEF and is Chair of Brigadoon, a charitable organization working to develop a permanent summer camp for chronically ill children. In his role as chief financial officer, he is responsible for our synchronized and effective administrative and financial operations. Todd graduated from Dalhousie University (B.Sc., psychology and MBA) and is a designated certified management accountant.