When an energy company with 1,600 U.S. employees and operations spanning from Wisconsin to Ohio needs a headquarters that can support ambitious growth plans, the decision carries real weight. For Cenovus Energy, that search led them to Dublin’s Bridge Park, and they couldn’t be more excited about what lies ahead.

“Bridge Park was just a no-brainer,” says Juli LeClair, Manager, U.S. Regional Communications at Cenovus Energy. “The vibrancy, the amenities, being surrounded by well-known brands all align perfectly with where we’re headed as a company.”

Since establishing its Dublin presence in 2009, Cenovus has watched its small office evolve into a thriving operation. Over the past three years alone, the company has doubled its local workforce, outgrowing its current Tuttle location and setting its sights on a brand-new headquarters in Bridge Park, scheduled for completion in 2027.

A Decision Rooted in Partnership and Growth

Cenovus explored options in other states, carefully considering how each location would support both their business and their people. The company ultimately selected Dublin, weighing factors that would impact both their business operations and their most valuable asset: their people.

“This city is so great to work with,” LeClair explained. “Working with JobsOhio, there were tax incentives to remain in Ohio and Dublin. But beyond that, we’ve been here since 2009. Dublin has been our home, and we’ve seen how much the new Dublin has to offer.”

The strong partnership between Cenovus and Dublin’s Economic Development team proved instrumental throughout their site selection process. “The Economic Development team has been fantastic,” LeClair noted. “We even have live cameras so we can watch the building being built. We put it on our internal site so our employees can watch the progress. It’s really exciting!”

Where Employee Wellbeing Meets Business Strategy

For Cenovus, Bridge Park represents more than upgraded office space; it’s an investment in workplace culture. The company maintains a five-day in-office work schedule, which makes the quality of that office environment all the more important.  

“We have a very strong focus on employee wellbeing, both physical and emotional,” LeClair shared. “Our people work hard and manage big responsibilities in their jobs. We wanted to offer them outlets where they can take breaks and really recharge, and Bridge Park offers just that.”

The new headquarters will include an events space that will allow Cenovus to bring its employees together for company-wide events. With U.S. operations in Lima and Toledo, Ohio, and Superior, Wisconsin, Cenovus needed a central location with hosting capabilities. The fact that a hotel is located right next door will enable in-person collaboration for employees, regardless of whether they call Columbus home.

Dublin’s elevated amenities have Cenovus’ young and active workforce particularly enthused. The restaurants, fitness options, North Market vendors, riverfront access, and miles of walking paths offer their employees ways to step away from their desks and return recharged.

“I always say to myself, ‘Have I moved my body today?'” LeClair reflects. “It’s so much easier when you have access to paths and walking places that you actually enjoy being.”

Building Momentum in a Growing Region

As Cenovus positions itself as a secure energy provider for the U.S. market, it is predicting an increase in energy demand ahead. Its Dublin headquarters will serve as a strategic hub for expansion across the Midwest.

Their decision to locate in Bridge Park also supports another key company objective: building brand awareness. A strategic location near recognized names like Wendy’s and Cameron Mitchell Restaurants creates valuable association opportunities for a company focused on expanding its market presence.

“For companies looking at options, Dublin is the place to engage because it’s very business-friendly,” LeClair emphasized. “The Chamber of Commerce is amazing. They work very closely with the city, and together they can help you engage with all the resources you need.”

A Community Investment That Pays Forward

What surprises many companies about Dublin is the depth of community engagement they encounter. 

“I haven’t worked with a place that’s so engaged,” LeClair shared. “All of the activities the city offers — from the Dublin Irish Festival, the tree lighting, Halloween trick-or-treating — it’s a very family-oriented place. It was surprising to me just how engaged everybody is in wanting to make it such a positive experience.”

This community connection extends beyond events to the everyday experience of living and working in Dublin. LeClair described it as “one of the safest communities I’ve ever lived in” and calls Dublin “a hidden gem” that offers something for everyone, from young professionals in new condos to established families.

For companies considering Dublin, LeClair’s advice is straightforward: “Come tour it. Dublin is such a beautiful place. I think if you come here, you’ll fall in love with it.”

As Cenovus Energy prepares to move into its new Bridge Park headquarters in 2027, the company is investing in a location that supports growth, nurtures its workforce, and connects it to a community committed to helping businesses thrive in the long term.

If you’re interested in exploring opportunities in Dublin, visit ThriveInDublinOhio.com. 

More about Cenovus Energy: 

Cenovus Energy is an integrated oil and natural gas company that extracts and produces crude oil and natural gas, which it then upgrades and refines into products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. The company also markets these refined products and produces asphalt for roads. Its operations span Canada, the United States, and the Asia Pacific region.