Don Lindsay is one of Canada’s most respected and impactful business leaders, known for shaping the mining industry through a rare combination of strategic vision, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Over the course of an exceptional 17-year tenure as President and CEO of Teck Resources Limited, he transformed the company into a global force in copper and coal, guiding it through major economic cycles while keeping sustainability and community at the heart of its growth.
Born in Toronto in 1958, Don holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering from Queen’s University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. His early career in banking was equally impactful. As President of CIBC World Markets, he pioneered Canada’s first mining-focused investment banking group, revolutionizing how the financial sector supported the resource industry and positioning CIBC as a global leader in mining finance.
When Lindsay took the helm at Teck in 2005, the company was valued at $8 billion. Under his leadership, Teck grew to a market capitalization of $22 billion, returned nearly $9 billion to shareholders, and increased its copper reserves from 2.5 million to 19 million tonnes—ensuring a 70-year reserve life based on 2022 production levels. Key acquisitions like Aur Resources and Fording Canadian Coal made Teck a leader in critical minerals, and one of the world’s largest exporters of metallurgical coal.
Equally transformative was his work on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. Long before ESG became a mainstream focus, Lindsay embedded sustainability and social responsibility into Teck’s operations. Teck initiatives, such as The Zinc Alliance for Child Health and programs like Copper and Health, have reached more than 140 million people globally and influenced international policy on public health and infrastructure. Under his guidance, Teck earned recognition as one of the most sustainable mining companies in the world.
As Chair of the International Council of Mining and Metals (ICMM), Lindsay spearheaded the development of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management, a standard that changed the safety and quality of tailings management in the industry.
Lindsay has chaired many industry organizations, such as the International Zinc Association, Business Council of Canada, and Board of Governors for the World Economic Forum’s mining and metals sub-group. He remains active as Chair of Manulife Financial and sits on the Board of Directors at BHP. He also served as Chair for the 2025 Invictus Games in Whistler and has led major philanthropic efforts, including a $200 million campaign for BC Children’s Hospital.
Lindsay has been recognized with numerous honours, including the Order of British Columbia, multiple honorary doctorates, and lifetime achievement awards from the mining and business communities. His career stands as a testament to the power of combining business excellence with social responsibility.