Rogers Communications today announced that President and Chief Executive Officer Guy Laurence is stepping down effective immediately. He will be replaced by Joseph Natale, the former TELUS CEO as soon as his non-compete arrangement with his former employer allows him to do so. In the meantime, Alan Horn will serve as interim President and Chief Executive Officer.
“We have appreciated Guy’s leadership over the last three years,” said Edward Rogers, Deputy Chairman, Rogers Communications Inc. “He has moved the company forward re-establishing growth, introducing innovative programs like Roam Like Home, while getting the company ready for its next phase of growth. On behalf of the Rogers family and the Board, I’d like to thank Guy for his competitive spirit and many contributions.”
Rogers hired Guy Laurence in late 2013 to replace the retiring Nadir Mohamed. Shortly after taking over, he identified seven strategic priorities under the umbrella of his Rogers 3.0 initiative to not only improve financial results but the company’s customer relations as well.
Joe Natale was the TELUS CEO from March 2014 until August 2015. He replaced Darren Entwistle who then returned when Natale decided that a move to TELUS’ headquarters in British Columbia “would not work for him and his family for several years.”
No specific reasons for today’s rather surprising news were provided. Based on an investor call this morning, it does appear that it may have had more to do with Natale becoming available than a move to oust Laurence.
Joe Natale is expected to join Rogers “in the coming months.”
Source : Rogers Communications