2025 Centennial Leadership Award Recipient

Professional geologist Hilary Foulkes’ extraordinary 46-year-long career reflects the impact a geoscience foundation can have on the energy sector and beyond. Beginning as a hard rock geologist in remote uranium mining camps, she soon transitioned to oil and gas (BP Canada). This was followed by a move to Gulf Canada Resources, where she worked on development projects and transitioned into portfolio management. Here, she built a technical foundation and interest in strategy—a catalyst for future leadership roles.

In the early 2000s, Foulkes transitioned into investment banking, joining Waterous & Co. (later Scotia Waterous), where her strategic acumen led to billions in merger and acquisition advisory work. She assumed executive leadership at PennWest Exploration, where she negotiated groundbreaking multi-billion-dollar international joint ventures, including a partnership with China Investment Corporation on the Peace River oil sands and an agreement with Mitsubishi Corporation on a Northeast British Columbia gas asset.

Foulkes’s career evolved when she founded the Canadian division of Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. (TPH), where she serves as senior advisor. She says the most rewarding part of her career is the critical thinking and scientific principles she’s applied to many areas of life.

“I’ve had the opportunity to share my love of this science and its relevance with broad audiences. I’ve worked with amazing people in the process, supported my family, and made lifelong friends.”

Now, she serves as a board member with Chord Energy (former Enerplus Corporation, of which she was board chair) and is on the board of directors for Pine Cliff Energy. Her commitment to fostering knowledge and dialogue in board rooms led her, with the support of her TPH colleagues, to create the Board Resolutions Series information sessions, a forum attracting board members from across North America. Foulkes is also a mentor and supporter of Board Ready Women and a vice-chair of Let’s Talk Science.

Her commitment to excellence, education, and ethical leadership exemplifies the spirit of the Centennial Leadership Summit Award. Foulkes empowers others to lead with integrity and showcases the influence a professional geologist can have on their community and industry.

Notable Achievements and Recognition

• Life Member, APEGA (2018)
• Distinguished Alumni Award, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo (2012)
• Dealmaker of the Year Innovation Award, Globe and Mail/Deloitte (2010)
• Deloitte Women of Influence (2010)
• Member, APEGA (1984)