Our Team

Photo of James A. Edens, P.Eng, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Inceptio Oil & Gas Limited. A smiling man in a black suit, white shirt, and a red patterned tie, standing against a blue background.

James A. Edens, P.Eng

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

James Edens is an accomplished executive leader with more than 35 years of international oil and gas experience. He has held senior roles with CNRL, DNO ASA, Marathon, and NSNR, bringing a comprehensive understanding of the technical, operational, economic, and regulatory dimensions of the energy industry.

James has built a strong reputation for:

  • Strategic leadership — aligning vision, strategy, and execution.

  • Technical expertise — including operations in offshore and onshore environments.

  • Proven delivery — leading projects in remote and complex regions.

  • Partnerships and stakeholder engagement — trusted relationships with drilling operators, governments, and industry partners.

  • Innovation in resource development — applying advanced technologies to unlock new potential and deliver early, sustainable results.

At the helm of Inceptio Oil & Gas, James is committed to responsible exploration and development that creates long-term value for investors while delivering meaningful benefits to local communities and supporting global energy security.

Contact James Edens

Connect with James on LinkedIn

Photo of Shawn A. Saulnier, Strategic Advisor, Inception Oil & Gas Limited. Close-up of a smiling middle-aged man with gray hair, beard, and mustache dressed in a navy jacket and light blue shirt.

Shawn A. Saulnier

Strategic Advisor

A Nova Scotia native now based in Toronto, Shawn brings more than three decades of experience in government relations, business development, and capital projects. His career spans senior advisory roles in infrastructure and real estate development, entrepreneurship in hospitality and modular construction, and leadership in charitable fundraising.

Shawn has led and supported multi-year capital campaigns for universities, hospitals, and social service agencies, and has served as a volunteer campaign chair and board member for community initiatives such as the United Way, KOA Care Camps Foundation, and The Honourable William G. Davis Centre for Families.

He combines expertise in capital project financing and delivery with a strong track record of stakeholder engagement—working across government, investors, and communities to bring ambitious projects to life.

At Inceptio, Shawn advises on government relations, strategic partnerships, and investor engagement, help position the company for long-term success in Nova Scotia and international markets.

Contact Shawn Saulnier

Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn