Suncor Energy Inc. says Steve Williams will retire as chief executive after the company's annual meeting next May.

Williams, 62, joined Suncor in 2002 and took the helm of Canada's largest energy producer by market capitalization from longtime CEO Rick George when he retired in 2012.

Williams has been one of the more outspoken CEOs in the oilpatch, insisting recently the company will approve no new major expansion projects until Canada's export pipeline access problem is resolved.

He has also led the way in support for environmental initiatives and was one of four energy company leaders to stand alongside Alberta Premier Rachel Notley in 2015 when she unveiled the province's sweeping climate plan, which included a growing carbon tax.

Suncor CEO slams climate change deniers, politicians who cater to them

The head of Canada’s largest oil company says climate change is backed by science, and deniers, including politicians, need to do a U-turn and accept it.

Suncor president and CEO Steve Williams waits to address the company's annual meeting in Calgary, Wednesday, May 2, 2018. The CEO of Suncor Energy says the oilsands producer is standing by its decision to avoid spending on large growth projects due to Canada's lack of competiveness with other jurisdictions.

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'It is a matter of profound disappointment to me that science and economics have taken on some strange political ownership,' Suncor president and CEO Steve Williams told the audience at a sold-out event Wednesday in Calgary.

The company says Mark Little, 56, will trade in his chief operating officer title to become president effective immediately and will assume the CEO's role in May.

Little joined Suncor in 2008 and has served in several leadership roles in the company's oilsands and international and offshore operations.

Suncor CEO Steve Williams on a new generation for the Alberta oilsands

'It's unlikely there will be projects of this type of scale again,' said Williams about the company's new $17 billion Fort Hills oilsands mine.

"It's been a privilege to lead Suncor. I'm making this transition now, knowing that it's a good time to do so," said Williams in a statement.

"Thanks to a sound strategy grounded in operational excellence and capital discipline, a healthy balance sheet, and an ongoing focus on sustainability and technology and innovation, I'm optimistic about Suncor's future under Mark's leadership."

Suncor CEO Steve Williams plans to retire in May.

Suncor CEO Steve Williams to retire; Mark Little named as replacement

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