Todd McRae: A Distinguished Legal Leader in the Global Oil and Gas Industry
In the world of international energy law, few names stand out as prominently as Todd McRae. With a career spanning more than 25 years, McRae has established himself as a respected legal and corporate governance leader in the oil and gas industry. From his early beginnings in law firms to his current role as Vice President, Legal at Pacific Energy, McRae’s professional journey reflects both expertise and adaptability in an ever-changing global energy landscape.
Beyond his professional achievements, Todd McRae is also recognized as the father of Canadian singer-songwriter and dancer Tate McRae, whose international fame has brought additional public interest to his background.
This article explores McRae’s career path, educational background, industry expertise, and leadership roles at major organizations such as Pacific Energy, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, AltaGas Ltd., TAQA Group, and Oxy.
Early Life and Education
Academic Background
Todd McRae earned both his Bachelor of Arts in Economics (1988–1993) and his Juris Doctor (1993–1996) from the University of Saskatchewan. His academic foundation in economics and law provided a powerful combination of analytical and strategic skills that would serve him throughout his legal career.
Developing a Global Perspective
Even in the early years of his career, McRae showed interest in international business and law. His later secondments to multinational companies and work with foreign governments demonstrate a consistent focus on cross-border operations and global commerce—skills essential in the complex world of oil and gas.
Career Beginnings in Law Firms
Ballem MacInnes LLP (1997–1999)
McRae began building his expertise in corporate, commercial, and oil and gas law at Ballem MacInnes LLP in Calgary. Here, he gained early exposure to the domestic energy sector, working with contracts, regulatory matters, and corporate transactions.
Donahue, Ernst & Young LLP (1999–2002)
At Donahue, Ernst & Young LLP, McRae expanded his scope to international corporate and commercial law, including offshore oil and gas projects. His secondment with the Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company gave him firsthand experience with Middle Eastern energy operations.
McCarthy Tétrault LLP (2002–2003)
While at McCarthy Tétrault LLP, McRae handled domestic corporate, commercial, and oil and gas matters and engaged with the retail electricity and natural gas sectors. He also undertook a secondment in the marketing department at Enbridge Inc., gaining valuable corporate operations insight.
Transition to Major Energy Corporations
Encana Corporation (2003–2005)
As Legal Counsel for the International New Ventures Exploration Division, McRae supported operations in Brazil and offshore East Coast Canada. His work covered joint study and bidding agreements, acquisitions, offshore drilling, and seismic data operations.
Oxy – Vice President, Legal Affairs (Oman) (2005–2008)
In Oman, McRae managed legal matters for massive infrastructure projects, including pipelines, oil processing facilities, and power generation plants. He worked closely with the Oman Government and oversaw compliance programs related to Foreign Corrupt Practices and UN sanctions.
Executive Leadership Roles
TAQA North – Vice President, Legal & General Counsel (2008–2015)
At TAQA Group, McRae led the Legal, Supply Chain, and Government Relations functions. He developed governance, compliance, and risk frameworks while managing complex contractual negotiations. As part of the executive team, he influenced corporate strategy and capital efficiency projects.
AltaGas Ltd. – Senior Legal Consultant (2016–2017)
McRae provided contract and business support for AltaGas’s natural gas liquids and power projects, developed legal templates, and implemented contract management systems to enhance operational efficiency.
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP – Counsel (2017–2020)
While at this prestigious law firm, McRae took part in multiple secondments, including a preeminent LNG project and a multinational state-owned enterprise in Latin America. His focus on international energy law and complex contract negotiations reinforced his global reputation.
Pacific Energy – Vice President, Legal (2020–Present)
Currently, Todd McRae serves as Vice President, Legal at Pacific Energy (Pacific Oil & Gas), based in Calgary, Alberta. In this role, he oversees corporate governance, compliance, risk management, and strategic legal operations for the company’s international and domestic projects.
Key Responsibilities at Pacific Energy:
- Managing legal aspects of large-scale oil and gas developments.
- Coordinating with international governments and shareholders.
- Guiding corporate acquisitions, dispositions, and strategic transactions.
- Building collaborative solutions and empowering diverse, multicultural teams.
Expertise and Leadership Style
Strategic Legal Counsel
McRae’s expertise includes:
- Corporate Governance – Creating frameworks to ensure accountability and transparency.
- Risk and Compliance – Developing policies to manage legal, regulatory, and operational risks.
- Contract Negotiation – Leading complex domestic and international agreements.
- Cross-Cultural Management – Navigating the challenges of multinational operations.
Leadership Philosophy
Colleagues describe McRae as a decisive yet collaborative leader. He combines strong analytical skills with the ability to build and maintain strategic networks, adapting to diverse cultural and organizational expectations.
Todd McRae and Tate McRae
Outside the boardroom, Todd McRae is known as the father of Tate Rosner McRae, an internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter and dancer. Born in 2003 in Calgary, Tate rose to fame through television appearances, viral music hits, and critically acclaimed albums.
McRae’s career in international energy projects took the family overseas for periods, including time in Oman, which enriched Tate’s upbringing with cross-cultural experiences. While his professional world is far removed from the music industry, McRae’s dedication to excellence and perseverance may have influenced his daughter’s work ethic and success.
Lasting Impact on the Oil and Gas Sector
With a career spanning continents, McRae’s influence on global energy law and governance is substantial. His work has helped shape industry best practices, promote compliance in complex geopolitical environments, and drive strategic growth for multinational corporations.
Conclusion
Todd McRae is more than a high-ranking corporate lawyer—he is a seasoned executive who has navigated some of the most challenging legal landscapes in the global oil and gas sector. From his early days in Canadian law firms to leading legal teams across North America, the Middle East, and beyond, McRae’s career reflects a commitment to excellence, strategic thinking, and collaborative leadership.
In both his role at Pacific Energy and his personal life as the father of Tate McRae, he stands as a figure of achievement, adaptability, and global perspective—qualities that will continue to define his legacy in the years ahead.
