Arthur Irving is the second son of industrialist K.C. Irving who has an estimated net worth of $6.99 billion as of August 2018. Also, they are the fourth richest person in Canada and 276th in the world.

Born Arthur L. Irving in 1930, he inherited the ownership and responsibility for Irving Oil along with its retail stores, oil refinery, oil tankers, and distribution and terminal facilities. Since 1972, he served as President of Oil Limited. He also served as its Chairman and Director. Currently, he is the President of Irving Oil Corporation.

Arthur Irving has served as the Chancellor of Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia since 1996. He was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2002. He was also involved with Ducks Limited and in the establishment of the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Center at Acadia University.