Jad Elsohemy

Delivering energy and infrastructure services to customers throughout Canada, OEC offers innovative products and services across the infrastructure, energy, gas and electricity distribution and telecommunications sectors.

With over 2,500 employees, insightful and reliable energy and infrastructure solutions are provided to clients coast-to-coast. As Jad Elsohemy, OEC’s Vice President of Technology and Innovation, explains, protecting all of this critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of communities has become a paramount concern.

His role today encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including the operations, maintenance, planning, prototyping, and development of many technology systems integral to OEC's operations.

“My enthusiasm lies in harnessing the transformative capabilities of technology to empower our organisation to achieve its greatest potential,” he describes. “I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to play a pivotal role in realising this vision.”

Another aspect of Elsohemy’s role, he explains, revolves around fostering innovation. “Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to be part of organisations that wholeheartedly embrace innovation, and OEC is no exception. At OEC we aim to weave innovation into the very fabric of our daily operations.”

An engineer by training, it was during the first role of his career at ExxonMobil that Elsohemy began to appreciate the critical importance of cybersecurity. “My tenure at ExxonMobil afforded me the opportunity to work in diverse roles, allowing me to develop strong foundational knowledge across various technology domains,” he comments. 

“During this time, I also came to appreciate the critical importance of cybersecurity, motivating me to seek roles where I could develop expertise in this vital area.”

With this pursuit culminating in his appointment as the Security Design Lead at ExxonMobil, at this time, Elsohemy would venture into the realm of operational technology cybersecurity while it was still in its infancy.

Elsohemy’s next role would see him join Thales, where he assumed responsibility for the cybersecurity of the company’s urban rail system division. “This role exposed me to the development and deployment of safety-critical train systems, underscoring the pivotal role of cybersecurity in safeguarding critical infrastructure,” he describes. 

“It also enabled me to delve into emerging technologies, including 5G, and the bringing together of various sensory technologies, communications, and cybersecurity for autonomous train control.”

In March 2022, Elsohemy joined OEC. “My current role has allowed me to further leverage and expand my expertise in cybersecurity, particularly in relation to the interplay between safety and cybersecurity.  It has afforded me the opportunity to use my expertise within the energy and infrastructure services, utilities and construction industries and has served as a true opportunity rich area.”

As Elsohemy explains, taking a two-year role outside of the technology domain stands as one of his proudest career achievements. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone, enabling me to acquire new skills, establish valuable relationships, and gain a fresh perspective on my area of expertise.

“During this time, it enabled me to broaden my skill set, enhancing my adaptability and versatility. Additionally, I established meaningful connections both within and outside the organisation, diversifying my professional network.

“Ultimately it has proven to be an essential chapter in my career, enriching my abilities and outlook in the ever-evolving technology landscape.”

Read the full story HERE.