Evan Hazell was involved in the global oil and gas industry for over 30 years, initially as a petroleum engineer and then as an energy investment banker. He was a managing director at several financial institutions including HSBC Global Investment Bank and RBC Capital Markets. He retired from investment banking in 2011 and now serves primarily as a director of various businesses and community organizations.

Evan is past Chair of the Board of Calgary Opera. During his 12-year tenure on the board, his leadership supported new direction for the company including new work development, establishment of the Emerging Artist Development Program, the Opera in the Village summer opera festival, and the capital campaign to develop a new opera centre. Evan also serves as Treasurer of the board of Opera America, and he is the 2017 recipient of the Opera.ca National Opera Directors Recognition Award.