Kenneth Irving takes leave from Fort Reliance

Kenneth Irving, the chief executive officer of Fort Reliance, is taking an indefinite leave of absence from one of New Brunswick's largest corporations.

His father, Arthur Irving senior, wrote in a July 14 memorandum to staff that his son would be taking an indefinite leave for "personal reasons."

"On an interim basis, I will work closely with the board of directors in respect of the oversight of the business. From a day-to-day operational standpoint, members of the executive team will continue in their present responsibilities. We will continue to focus on our core business strategies and plans," Irving's memo said.

"Kenneth continues to have my full support, and the full support of the board of directors, in his decision."

Fort Reliance is the parent company of Irving Oil Ltd.

Arthur Irving is one of three sons of K.C. Irving, the iconic New Brunswick industrialist. He inherited the family's energy business but gave the day-to-day operations to his oldest son, Kenneth.

Company officials have declined to comment on why Kenneth Irving, a married father of four, who is in his late 40s, has stepped aside.

The news comes as Irving Oil was set to mark the 50th anniversary of its Saint John-based oil refinery.

Celebrations had been planned for Tuesday, but those have been postponed until the fall.

Recent controversies

Irving Oil has been the centre of two controversial decisions in the last year.

BP and Irving Oil shelved plans to build a second oil refinery in Saint John last July.

Irving Oil had partnered with BP to build the $8-billion project, which is known as Eider Rock, and construction was supposed to start in 2011. At its peak, the refinery project was to create 5,000 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent jobs.

And in February,the companycancelled plans to build a new $30-million world headquarters at Long Wharf.

On a much smaller scale, Irving Oil recently ended its tidal power research project in the Bay of Fundy.

The company also withdrew its application for environmental approval to build a biodiesel refinery in June.