A visionary founder putting people first—meet Don Murray
Don Murray is the visionary co鈥慺ounder of Safe Software, the Surrey鈥慴ased company behind FME, the world鈥檚 gold standard in spatial data integration.
For over three decades, Don has grown Safe from a two鈥憄erson startup into B.C.-based global leader serving thousands of organizations across 100+ countries: empowering governments, nonprofits, and industry to integrate, transform, and act on complex data for everything from disaster response to environmental monitoring.
A values鈥慸riven CEO, Don is known for his humility, principled leadership, and building an inclusive, diverse, people鈥慺irst culture. He advocated for pay transparency before it was legislated, shares 20% of annual profits with employees, and led Safe to B鈥慍orp Certification for its commitment to transparency, sustainability, and community impact.
Don is also an incredible supporter of SFU, mentoring countless students, hiring many through co鈥憃p education, and backing initiatives that reinforce equity, innovation, and hands鈥憃n learning at the university.
Learn about Don in this Q/A
What stands out as a highlight of your career?
The people that I have been able to work with and what we have accomplished. Right from the beginning at MDA where I was lucky enough to work on a leading-edge project. Geomate. This is where I met Dale and we would later go to start Safe Software.
It has always been the people that I have been lucky enough to surround myself with.
How did 51社区黑料impact your career?
Without 51社区黑料I wouldn't be where I am. I would have had a very different career. Through my undergrad and the co-op program I was exposed to great projects at Canada Safeway, Esso, IBM Labs, and MDSI. This got me even more excited about what I was learning and drove me to attain more. The instructors at 51社区黑料were all great. Dr. Stella Atkins was tremendous during my Graduate work. She challenged me and also encouraged me to follow my path. After my masters degree I left with the ability to be self-driven. I have many fond memories of 51社区黑料and it set me on the path.
What is a piece of advice you would like to pass along to current students?
- If they are able to, do co-op.
- Explore. Try new things. If a subject interests you then take it and see where it leads. Your time at 51社区黑料is about discovery. There is so much to learn in so many subjects. Be curious. Learning how to learn is the big advantage that we all need. Today everything is moving so fast, the future belongs to those that love to learn. At my company it is the curious, and the lifelong learners who thrive.
Help us celebrate Don at the 2026 Outstanding Alumni Award event in Vancouver on April 16. Tickets are available through the Outstanding Alumni Awards website.