With over three decades of executive leadership, Tom Johnston is a highly accomplished corporate board director, governance vice chair, and strategic operations executive recognized for his ability to drive sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Having successfully led organizations through market expansions, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic transitions, Tom’s leadership has been instrumental in aligning boardroom vision with corporate execution. His expertise spans multiple industries, including energy, oil and gas, mining, water management, and corporate finance, making him a sought-after advisory board member and governance expert.
Tom has a proven track record in C-suite leadership, having spearheaded large-scale projects, led initial public offerings, and secured banking syndicate financing for capital investment. He has built strong governance frameworks, ensuring companies meet regulatory, environmental, and safety compliance standards. As a champion of ethical leadership and strategic decision-making, he excels in creating sustainable business models, strengthening corporate structures, and maximizing shareholder value.
Currently serving as president of AQT Water Management Inc., Tom is responsible for developing corporate strategy, leading financial oversight, and managing stakeholder relations. His leadership has resulted in a decade of consistent year-over-year growth, increasing market valuation to over $200 million. Under his guidance, AQT has expanded its North American operations to 27 sites while maintaining a zero total reportable incident rate since 2019, demonstrating his commitment to safety, compliance, and operational integrity.
Previously, as co-founder and president of Four Winds Energy Services Ltd., Tom led the company from inception to a successful acquisition by a New York-based private equity firm, Bregal Partners. His ability to identify growth opportunities, navigate market fluctuations, and secure investment partnerships was key in positioning the company as a leading force in the oil and gas wastewater management sector.
Tom’s expertise extends beyond corporate operations; he is an active governance leader, serving as vice chair of the Practice Review Board at the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta. In this role, he has led the transformation of PRB into a fully functional statutory board, overseeing the development of regulatory policies, compliance audits, and risk management strategies. His leadership has played a pivotal role in preparing for the Professional Governance Act in 2025, ensuring corporate accountability and industry best practices.
Throughout his career, Tom has successfully negotiated multi-million-dollar contracts with industry leaders such as ARC Resources, CNRL, and Sinopec, showcasing his ability to drive high-value business development and corporate partnerships. His hands-on experience in capital raising, financial forecasting, and operational management has positioned him as a key strategic advisor for companies navigating complex market landscapes.
Beyond business performance, Tom is deeply committed to mentorship, leadership development, and fostering inclusive corporate cultures. He has coached and mentored high-performing management teams, empowering them to deliver financial and operational results with integrity and innovation. His leadership philosophy is built on collaboration, ethical decision-making, and long-term value creation.
Tom’s international exposure includes corporate engagements across Canada and the United States, where he has built strong stakeholder relationships with government bodies, regulatory agencies, and First Nations communities. His ability to bridge the gap between corporate strategy and regulatory compliance has allowed him to lead organizations through periods of change and growth with resilience and foresight.
Academically, Tom holds a Master of Business Administration from the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western University and a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering from the University of Alberta. He has further enhanced his expertise through executive programs in strategic leadership, corporate finance, and capital project management from leading institutions such as Osgoode Hall Law School, KPMG, and Queen’s University.
As a recognized industry leader, Tom regularly delivers stakeholder presentations on governance, risk management, and corporate strategy. His ability to communicate complex business challenges with clarity and strategic insight makes him a valuable advisor for corporate boards, executives, and investors looking to navigate today’s evolving business landscape with confidence.
Character:
Tom Johnston is an ethical and principled leader who upholds integrity, accountability, and transparency in every aspect of his professional and board service roles. His commitment to ethical decision-making and long-term value creation fosters trust among stakeholders, executives, and regulatory bodies.
Knowledge:
With over three decades of experience, Tom possesses deep expertise in corporate governance, financial oversight, regulatory compliance, and operational leadership. His extensive background in mergers and acquisitions, risk management, and capital investment makes him a valuable asset to organizations seeking strategic growth.
Strategic:
Tom excels at aligning corporate objectives with boardroom vision, ensuring companies achieve sustainable growth through financial stewardship and operational efficiency. His ability to navigate complex business landscapes, secure high-value investments, and implement governance best practices has contributed to the success of multiple organizations.
Communication:
As a skilled communicator and governance advisor, Tom effectively conveys complex business strategies in a clear, actionable manner to executives, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies. His ability to foster collaboration and provide strategic counsel enables companies to make informed decisions that drive long-term success.
