William J. Doyle, President and Chief Executive Officer of Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc., leaves the Globe and Mail after speaking to journalists. Photo by Della Rollins for The Globe and MailDella Rollins for The Globe and Mail/The Globe and Mail
Harvard Business Review named him this year as the 14th best-performing CEO in the world, based on value created during his tenure. Steve Jobs is No. 1, having created $150-billion (U.S.) since 1997. Mr. Doyle has created $24-billion since 1999.
He and wife Kathy donated $1.5-million to the Doyle Initiative, aimed at building tolerance at his alma mater Georgetown University.
The 2009 press release announcing the donation noted Potash Corp is "located in Northbrook, Ill. and Saskatoon, Canada."
Mr. Doyle has said: "When people ask my wife where her husband lives, she says 'In an airplane.'"
His former home in Saskatoon, a brick structure with a prominent turret, was sold for $2-million in 2004.
He is one of three Chicagoans on the Potash board of directors. Another is John Estey, CEO of a Chicago electrical business. Canadian-born, he is the son of late Supreme Court of Canada justice Willard Estey (who also sat on Potash Corp.'s board.)
Mr. Doyle last week announced his company will donate a minimum $5-million to restoring Kinsmen Park in Saskatoon. Mayor Don Atchison says the timing may seem "unfortunate" because it has been in the planning for years.
It came as takeover bidder BHP Billiton was committing $300,000 over three years toward the city's Christmas light show.