David F. Sobey

Doctor of Laws, honoris causa

Dr. Sobey holds an Honorary Doctor of Commerce degree from Saint Mary’s University and Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from Mount Allison University and St. Francis Xavier University.

David Sobey began his career with Sobeys Inc. more than 60 years ago.  Starting out managing a store in Halifax, he held many roles with the company included being named Chief Executive Officer (1982) and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (1986). He retired in September 2001, at which time the board of directors conferred on him the title of Chairman Emeritus.

David Sobey led the company into becoming the second largest food distributor in Canada.  Today, Sobeys Inc. employs over 125,000 people in their retail operations across Canada.

Possessing outstanding business and leadership skills, Dr. Sobey currently sits on the board of directors of Empire Company Limited and The Sobey Art Foundation.

David Sobey’s industry and community service has included terms with the boards of directors of Junior Achievement of Canada, the Retail Council of Canada, the Food Marketing Institute (USA), Food Business Forum CIES (Paris, France) and the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation.

David Sobey is a Member of the Order of Canada, as well as a laureate in the Canadian and Nova Scotia Business Halls of Fame.

Dr. Sobey and his wife, Faye, have two children, Paul and Janis, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. They reside in New Glasgow, NS.

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