Canadian Natural Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Canadian Natural has 6 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, capital allocation, exploration, production, oil sands operations, and corporate leadership.

Focused on sustainable energy development, Canadian Natural maintains a commitment to efficient resource extraction and long-term value creation across the North American energy sector.

Leadership Roles at Canadian Natural

  • Chief Financial Officer - Victor Darel
  • Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Douglas Proll
  • Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance - Mark Stainthorpe
  • Chief Operating Officer, Exploration & Production - Robin Zabek
  • Chief Operating Officer, Oil Sands - Jay Froc
  • President - Scott Stauth
  • Victor Darel - Chief Financial Officer

    Victor Darel, the Chief Financial Officer at Canadian Natural, directs all corporate fiscal planning and capital structure management. Overseeing the balance sheet, the Chief Financial Officer ensures liquidity for large-scale oil and gas development projects. This leadership role involves rigorous risk assessment and financial reporting to maintain investor confidence. By optimizing capital allocation across light oil and heavy oil assets, Victor Darel directly impacts the company's ability to fund complex in situ production. Darel manages the integration of financial data with operational output to drive efficiency. Through disciplined cost control and strategic investment, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial health of the organization. Darel maintains oversight of treasury functions, ensuring that the company remains resilient against volatile commodity price fluctuations while supporting the broader growth objectives of the firm within the competitive energy landscape.

    Douglas Proll - Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Douglas Proll, the Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Canadian Natural, manages the overarching financial strategy and corporate accounting frameworks. Overseeing the financial reporting cycles, the Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with regulatory standards across all production facilities. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board to align fiscal policy with long-term energy development goals. By analyzing market trends in natural gas and oil sands, Douglas Proll provides the necessary data to guide executive decision-making. Proll directs the internal audit processes to mitigate operational risks. Through the implementation of robust financial controls, the Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer supports the sustainable expansion of the company's asset base. Proll maintains a focus on maximizing shareholder returns by streamlining financial operations and enhancing the transparency of the company's economic performance in the global energy market.

    Mark Stainthorpe - Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance

    Mark Stainthorpe, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance at Canadian Natural, manages the corporate tax strategy and long-term debt management. Overseeing the financial planning and analysis department, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance ensures that capital expenditures remain aligned with the company's production targets. This leadership role involves evaluating the economic viability of new oil sands mining and upgrading facilities. By monitoring global energy market dynamics, Mark Stainthorpe provides critical insights for strategic planning. Stainthorpe directs the investor relations function to communicate the company's financial performance effectively. Through the optimization of cash flow management, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance supports the ongoing operational requirements of the business. Stainthorpe maintains a focus on fiscal discipline, ensuring that the company retains the financial flexibility to pursue growth opportunities while managing the inherent risks of the energy sector.
    Mark Stainthorpe

    Robin Zabek - Chief Operating Officer, Exploration & Production

    Robin Zabek, the Chief Operating Officer, Exploration & Production at Canadian Natural, directs all field operations related to light oil and natural gas extraction. Overseeing the exploration teams, the Chief Operating Officer, Exploration & Production ensures the efficient development of new reserves across North American assets. This leadership role involves managing complex drilling programs and optimizing production workflows to increase output. By leveraging advanced extraction technologies, Robin Zabek drives operational excellence in the field. Zabek coordinates with engineering departments to improve recovery rates and reduce environmental impact. Through the management of large-scale production sites, the Chief Operating Officer, Exploration & Production maintains high safety standards and operational reliability. Zabek ensures that exploration activities align with the company's strategic goals for resource growth, ultimately strengthening the market position of the firm through consistent and reliable energy production across diverse geological formations.

    Jay Froc - Chief Operating Officer, Oil Sands

    Jay Froc, the Chief Operating Officer, Oil Sands at Canadian Natural, directs the operations of all oil sands mining and upgrading facilities. Overseeing the technical teams, the Chief Operating Officer, Oil Sands ensures the efficient processing of bitumen into high-value synthetic crude oil. This leadership role involves managing large-scale industrial infrastructure and optimizing the supply chain for upgrading operations. By implementing innovative extraction and processing techniques, Jay Froc drives productivity improvements across the oil sands assets. Froc coordinates with environmental and regulatory teams to ensure compliance with strict operational standards. Through the management of complex upgrading facilities, the Chief Operating Officer, Oil Sands maintains consistent output levels to meet market demand. Froc focuses on operational efficiency and cost reduction, ensuring that the oil sands division contributes significantly to the overall profitability and strategic success of the company within the energy industry.

    Scott Stauth - President

    Scott Stauth, the President at Canadian Natural, directs the overall corporate strategy and operational execution across all business units. Overseeing the executive leadership team, the President ensures alignment between exploration, production, and financial objectives. This leadership role involves setting the long-term vision for the company's growth in the energy sector. By fostering a culture of operational excellence, Scott Stauth drives the company's commitment to sustainable resource development. Stauth coordinates with the Board to implement policies that enhance shareholder value and market competitiveness. Through the oversight of diverse energy assets, the President maintains a focus on safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Stauth ensures that the company remains agile in responding to changing market conditions and technological advancements. By leading the organization through complex industry challenges, the President secures the long-term viability and growth of the company as a leader in the energy production landscape.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Canadian Natural Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Canadian Natural?
    Canadian Natural is led by Victor Darel (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Douglas Proll (Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer) and Mark Stainthorpe (Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance).
    Who is part of Canadian Natural’s executive team?
    The executive team of Canadian Natural includes leaders such as Victor Darel (Chief Financial Officer), Douglas Proll (Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), Mark Stainthorpe (Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Canadian Natural have?
    Canadian Natural has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Canadian Natural’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Canadian Natural includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance, Chief Operating Officer, Exploration & Production, Chief Operating Officer, Oil Sands.