Meet Nick MacGougan, our new General Manager at Irving Equipment

Born and raised in New Brunswick, Nick has always felt a strong connection to the forests of Atlantic Canada. That connection led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Forestry at the University of New Brunswick, followed by an MBA from Saint Mary’s University—a combination that reflects both his technical expertise and strategic mindset.

Nick’s journey with J.D. Irving, Limited began more than 20 years ago as a co-op student. “Coming out of school as a Forester, I was drawn to work for a world-class forest management company,” he recalls. His early co-op experience with JDI left a lasting impression and confirmed it was the right place to grow his career.

Since then, Nick has held a variety of leadership roles across JDI’s Sawmills and Woodlands divisions, including positions in Operations, Forest Management, and Process Improvement. His path led him to senior leadership roles such as Regional Manager, and most recently, General Manager at Grand River Pellets and Juniper Organics.

Throughout his career, Nick has embraced continuous learning. “I was fortunate to have JDI support further education—from in-house training sessions to full university programs,” he says. “That support helped build the confidence I needed to take on new challenges. I always encourage others to pursue learning in whatever form it takes.”

Now stepping into a new chapter with JDI’s Construction and Equipment Division, Nick is excited by the opportunity to apply his experience in a new area. “I’ve always enjoyed learning new aspects of the company,” he shares. “This move allows me to bring forward what I’ve learned while diving into a completely new industry.”

When asked about the skills that have been most essential to his success, Nick emphasizes the importance of building trusting relationships based on integrity whether with employees, managers, or customers.

As he looks ahead to the next five years, Nick remains focused on growth, both personal and organizational. J.D. Irving, Limited is confident that he will make a meaningful impact in this next chapter of his career.

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