Stephen D. Smith
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Stephen Smith is the Chief Executive Officer of Strike Group, a Canadian and employee-owned leader in infrastructure construction and maintenance for the energy and industrial sectors. With over 1,900 employees across 24 locations in Western Canada, Strike is recognized for its sustainable growth, people-first culture, and industry-leading safety record. Under Stephen’s leadership, the company has consistently earned accolades, including “Canada’s Best Managed Companies” status since 2007, ranking among the “Top 40 Contractors in Canada” since 2021, and receiving the “Indigenous Award of Distinction” from the Alberta Chambers of Commerce in 2021. In 2022, Strike earned the Alberta Construction Safety Association’s “Trailblazer Award”, and in 2025 was named a finalist for “Canada’s Safest Construction Employer” at the Canada’s Safest Employers Awards.
A proven builder of companies, Stephen co-founded Strike Energy Services Inc. in 2004 and guided its evolution into Strike Group Inc., which today operates as Strike Group (“Strike”). Prior to Strike, he spent more than two decades at Flint Canada Inc., advancing through key leadership roles including Vice President Finance, Vice President Operations, Senior Vice President, and President of Flint Canada Inc., before serving as President of Flint Eurasia Ltd. His breadth of experience in finance, operations, and international business has been instrumental in shaping Strike into a resilient, high-performing organization.
Stephen’s influence extends beyond corporate leadership. He has served on the boards of Flint Canada Inc., Flint Eurasia Ltd., Palomino Resources, Beacon Technical Builders, Barrel Oil Corp, Strike Group, and related entities. He has also held leadership positions within major industry organizations, including the Petroleum Services Association of Canada, Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors, Alberta Construction Association, Canadian Heavy Oil Association, as past Chairman of the Leduc #1 Discovery Centre Advisory Board, and a past President of the Calgary Petroleum Club. He is a long-standing Governor of the Canadian Executive Oilmen’s Association (now known as the Canadian Energy Executives Association) and has chaired the Oilmen’s Business Forum in Banff, Alberta.
A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA/CGA) with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Prince Edward Island, where he was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni, Stephen also holds the Institute of Corporate Directors designation (ICD.D). His leadership and entrepreneurial accomplishments have been recognized through numerous awards, including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal (2023) from the Government of Alberta and the prestigious Legacy Leadership Award (2023) from the University of Calgary Properties Group and Business in Calgary Magazine.
Beyond business, Stephen is a respected voice in leadership and innovation. He has shared insights as a guest on podcasts and video segments such as Canadian Innovators and TRAITS, and remains engaged as a member of TEC Canada (The Executive Committee). He also continues to contribute to community and nonprofit organizations across Alberta.