Scott Thon (BE’85)

Lifetime Achievement Award

As a distinguished executive in the global energy industry, Scott Thon (BE’85) leads a diverse group of businesses in the United States, Canada, and Great Britain and has driven major energy infrastructure projects in Canada and around the world. In addition to his impact as president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Thon is a leader in his community through his remarkable philanthropic and volunteer efforts.

A proud University of Saskatchewan alumnus who remains connected to his Saskatchewan roots, Thon received a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree in 1985 from USask’s College of Engineering. After earning his degree, he went on to become a registered professional engineer and a graduate of Western University’s Ivey Business School Executive Education program. In 2015, Thon earned his ICD.D designation through the ICD-Rotman Directors Executive Education program, further demonstrating his commitment to excellence in the boardroom. As someone who grew up playing minor hockey in Saskatchewan, Thon continues to attribute many of his core values around teamwork to his involvement in the sport and to the guidance that he received from teammates and coaches, including his father. Thon and his companies have also become supporters of a Hockey Canada youth initiative to provide registration fee subsidies to families.

Throughout his four decades in the energy industry, Thon has held increasingly senior positions across operations, engineering, market design, and financial management. In 2002, he became president and CEO of AltaLink, one of Canada’s largest electricity transmission companies. After AltaLink was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway Energy in 2014, Thon served as president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Energy’s Canada subsidiary until 2022. He then joined Berkshire Hathaway Energy’s global executive team and was subsequently appointed its president and CEO in 2023. 

Thon, who is based in Calgary, Alberta, and Des Moines, Iowa, has driven innovation and advocated for sustainable solutions in the energy sector, such as initiating the first regulated transmission co-ownership partnerships with First Nations in Canada. His leadership has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Alberta) in 2022, the Leaders Award from Business in Calgary magazine in 2017, and the Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005. He also received the Distinguished Citizen Award from Bow Valley College in 2013, the Sherrold Moore Award from the Calgary Chamber of Commerce in 2011, and the Alberta Centennial Medal from the Government of Alberta in 2005.

Beyond his executive work at Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Thon is actively involved in volunteerism and philanthropy and serves on numerous organizations and boards. He is the co-chair of the Global Business Forum held in Banff, Alberta, that for more than 25 years has brought together leading international business executives, academics, and government leaders to foster dialogue, inspire innovation, and address pivotal global economic and social challenges. He currently serves as the lead director on Aecon’s board of directors, leveraging his extensive energy sector experience to inform construction initiatives. Additionally, he holds directorships with AEGIS Insurance, the Alberta Blue Cross Benefits Foundation, the Canadian Athletic Foundation, and the Calgary Stampede Foundation. From 2019 to 2022, Thon chaired the Board of Governors at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), and he is a former chair of the Canadian Electricity Association. As chair of the board at Bow Valley College, he helped lead efforts to raise more than $2 million for student scholarships and bursaries. Among these initiatives was the Deb and Scott Thon Bursary for single-parent students, established through his and his wife Deb’s own contribution. In 2024, Bow Valley College bestowed Thon with an honourary diploma, the college’s highest honour. Thon has also served as chair of the United Way of Calgary and Area and vice-chair of the Calgary Olympic Bid Exploration Committee and has contributed to Wordfest and the Calgary Airport Authority’s Business Advisory Council.