FOG BLOG SAINT JOHN LOG: ARTHUR IRVING STEPS DOWN AS CHAIR OF IRVING FUELS!

Arthur Irving no longer chair of Irving Oil, fuels more speculation about N.B. company's future

Sarah Irving, his daughter, is no longer executive vice-president, according to company's website Arthur Irving is no longer in his leadership role at Irving Oil, and his daughter, Sarah Irving, is no longer part of the leadership team, according to the company's website, fuelling further speculation about the future of one of New Brunswick's largest employers.

Irving, 93, who was chair of the Saint John-based board of directors, is now listed as chairman emeritus, while Sarah Irving, who was executive vice-president and widely seen as his heir apparent, is no longer listed.

Company spokesperson Katherine d'Entremont did not respond to requests by email and phone on Tuesday and Wednesday for comments.

The leadership changes come in the midst of a strategic review that's evaluating "a series of options" related to the company's future, including "a full or partial sale."

"No decisions have been made about where this strategic review may lead," Arthur Irving, Sarah Irving and Irving Oil president Ian Whitcomb, said in a statement last June, when the strategic review was announced.