Generational Shifts Reshape Atlantic Canada's Family Business Dynasties
As founders of Atlantic Canada's most powerful business families pass away or retire, second-, third- and fourth-generation heirs are taking control. The transition brings succession disputes, global expansion, and new competition from entrepreneurs and Indigenous interests to a region where family empires support more than 100,000 jobs.
A sweeping generational transition is underway among the family dynasties that dominate Atlantic Canada’s economy. As original founders die or step back, control of companies such as J.D. Irving Ltd., Empire Co. and McCain Foods is passing to second-, third- and fourth-generation heirs who must navigate succession disputes, shifting trade environments and global market pressures. Collectively, these family empires represent more than 100,000 jobs across Canada.
The Irving family has experienced significant recent upheaval. Arthur Irving died in 2024, and leadership struggles involving his son Kenneth and daughter Sarah followed. Sarah Irving left her senior role in October 2023, and Jeff Matthews subsequently took the CEO title before announcing his retirement. In May, Robert Irving died, leaving James D. “Jim” Irving — who had already emerged as leader following the death of his father James two years earlier — in command of the entire J.D. Irving monolith. The company continues to invest heavily, committing US$1.5 billion to a tissue plant in Macon, Georgia, and $1.5 billion to its Saint John pulp mill.
At Empire Co., controlled by the Sobey family, sales exceeded $30 billion last year. Fourth-generation members are moving into senior roles: Jana Sobey became senior vice-president of retail operations, while Liam Sobey serves as senior VP of merchandising.
McCain Foods reports annual sales topping $16 billion with more than 20,000 employees worldwide, though fewer than 2,000 work in New Brunswick. Scott McCain returned as chair in 2020, bridging a divide created by previous succession wars. However, Eleanor McCain remains involved in a legal dispute over the valuation of her exit from the family company.
Other established figures are also handing over responsibilities. Ken Rowe, 91, stepped back from daily operations at IMP Group, entrusting the CEO job to his son Kirk. Steven Joyce has taken over running Fox Harb’r Resort in northern Nova Scotia from his late father, Ron Joyce, who co-founded Tim Hortons with hockey legend Tim Horton. Former politician Frank McKenna hosts an annual networking event at the resort that has been running for a quarter-century, drawing about 200 attendees with 30 to 40 on a waiting list.
John Bragg, now in his 80s, remains the world’s largest wild blueberry producer and owns Eastlink, Genstar and various other interests. His sons have differing levels of involvement: Lee Bragg has stepped back from daily operations, while Matthew Bragg is also involved, though professional managers run affiliates.
Not all transitions have been smooth. John Risley faces roughly $1 billion in debt and a disputed tax bill, causing a significant portion of his wealth to evaporate. Detractors see a void, while Risley asserts he will return with big-picture aspirations.
Newer players are increasingly staking claims in the region. Glenn Cooke leads Cooke Inc., the world’s largest privately held seafood company, which operates in 16 countries, employs 15,000 people and projects revenues of $6 billion by 2027. Mark Dobbin, son of Craig Dobbin, represents a new generation deploying inherited family wealth into future ventures. Alongside immigrant developers and Indigenous interests, these emerging forces are beginning to challenge the traditional dominance of Atlantic Canada’s founding business families.