Resume

Paul D. Hobson

Technology leader, systems thinker, and builder of complex digital platforms.

📍 Calgary, Alberta, Canada LinkedIn Profile

Profile

I work at the intersection of technology platforms, operational systems, and organizational change.

Over the past two decades I have led technology architecture, infrastructure modernization, and digital platform development across energy, aviation, higher education, and research institutions. My work focuses on designing systems that connect people, data, and infrastructure in reliable and resilient ways.

My approach blends deep technical grounding with systems thinking: understanding how platforms, organizations, and processes interact over time. I am particularly interested in complex operational environments where software, infrastructure, and physical systems intersect.

Earlier in my career I worked in geospatial analysis and earth observation research in collaboration with international space agencies, developing expertise in large-scale data analysis and scientific computing.

Today my work focuses on platform engineering, enterprise architecture, and technology strategy — building technology foundations that enable organizations to operate, adapt, and evolve.

Areas of Focus

Technology Platforms

Design and modernization of enterprise technology platforms including cloud infrastructure, operational systems, integration architecture, and distributed data environments.

Systems Thinking

Applying architectural and systems approaches to complex environments where technology, operations, and organizations intersect.

Enterprise Architecture

Designing long-term technology frameworks that align infrastructure, applications, and data systems into coherent operating models.

Platform Engineering

Building internal platforms that enable teams to deliver software and services more reliably and efficiently.

Operational Technology

Working across IT and operational environments where digital platforms interact with physical infrastructure and real-world processes.

Technology Strategy

Helping organizations translate strategic goals into practical technology roadmaps and implementation programs.

Professional Experience

Plains

Technology Platforms Leader Calgary, Canada  |  2025 – Present

Responsible for technology platform strategy supporting large-scale operational environments across North America. The work centers on evolving large technology ecosystems while maintaining reliability and operational continuity.

  • Platform architecture and infrastructure modernization
  • Enterprise platform strategy and operating models
  • Technology resilience and reliability engineering
  • Integration of enterprise and operational technology systems
  • Technology governance and architectural standards

Plains

Head of Business Engagement & Architecture Calgary, Canada  |  2023 – 2025

Led enterprise architecture and technology engagement across operational and corporate business domains, translating complex operational requirements into coherent technology strategy.

  • Developing enterprise technology roadmaps
  • Aligning technology initiatives with operational needs
  • Improving integration across distributed systems and platforms
  • Strengthening architectural governance and technical standards

WestJet

Head of Technology Strategy & Enterprise Services Calgary, Canada  |  2022 – 2023

Led technology strategy and platform services supporting airline operations and corporate systems.

  • Development of enterprise technology strategy and operating models
  • Improvement of platform reliability and operational resilience
  • Alignment of technology investment with operational priorities
  • Technology governance and architectural oversight

WestJet

Head of Architecture Calgary, Canada  |  2018 – 2022

Led enterprise architecture and technology governance for a large and complex operational environment.

  • Establishing enterprise architecture practices across the organization
  • Developing long-term technology modernization roadmaps
  • Improving system reliability through architectural governance
  • Leading architecture teams across multiple technical domains

University of British Columbia

Director of Enterprise Architecture Vancouver, Canada  |  2011 – 2018

Led enterprise architecture for one of Canada’s largest universities. Focused on aligning technology investments with institutional strategy while supporting a diverse ecosystem of research, academic, and administrative systems.

  • Establishing enterprise architecture governance
  • Supporting large-scale institutional technology transformation
  • Developing business cases for major technology initiatives
  • Enabling cross-campus collaboration on technology strategy

Cardiff University

Deputy Chief Technology Officer Cardiff, United Kingdom  |  2005 – 2011
Associate Director, Web Service Delivery  ·  Web and Portal Manager

Led early enterprise architecture initiatives and digital transformation programs for one of the UK’s major research universities. Participated in national research programs exploring enterprise architecture and service-oriented digital infrastructure for higher education.

Early Career

Before moving into technology leadership roles, I worked in research computing and geospatial analysis. Research work included collaboration with international space and earth observation programs analyzing satellite data for environmental monitoring and large-scale geographic systems.

This early experience developed my interest in complex data systems, distributed computing, and analytical modeling.