Ronald R. Nolan is a graduate of electrical engineering from the University of Alberta. He joined Hatch shortly after completing his studies. 

In his 50 years at Hatch, he contributed enormously to and completed many outstanding projects in Canada and internationally, including Richards Bay Minerals New Titania Operation in South Africa, ISCOTT major new direct reduction steel-making facility in Trinidad, and the Inco S02 Abatement Project in Sudbury, Ontario. He served as a past president, CEO and chair of Hatch for 16 years, leading Hatch through tremendous global growth in business volume, employees and offices.

Throughout his career, he served as a Chair on the boards of many organizations including the board of directors of the N-Solv Corporation, Hatch Ltd., Hatch Mott MacDonald, Canadian Academy of Engineers (founding member and vice chair), Council of Canadian Academies, Trillium Health Centre Foundation and the Canadian Simmental Association (president).