Rogers Communications Inc. says Joe Natale has left as president and CEO.
The company said in a statement late Tuesday that Tony Staffieri replaced him in the meantime as it seeks a permanent CEO to drive its future growth, including integration with Shaw Communications.
He said Staffieri will be a candidate for the position.
Edward Rogers, president of Rogers Communications, said Staffieri has more than thirty years of experience in telecommunications, finance, media and sports, including more than nine years as Rogers CFO.
Prior to joining Rogers, he held senior positions at Bell Canada Enterprises, Celestica International, and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
The company said the Shaw transaction continues to move forward and on Monday the Rogers and Shaw teams, including Edward Rogers, will attend the CRTC public hearing.
READ MORE: Rivals Call for a Pause in Shaw Deal Hearings Amid Rogers Family Drama
“Tony is among the most respected and experienced telecommunications executives in the industry and was a key part of the deal with Shaw,” Edward Rogers said in the statement.
“His incredible work ethic, track record of results, focus on long-term strategic growth, driving a great experience for our customers and employees, and strong operational execution will serve us well.”
In a statement, Edward Rogers’ mother and his two sisters, who are also board members, said they are very disappointed that “Edward has pushed for the firing of Joe Natale as CEO of RCI.”
“Joe is a world-class telecommunications leader and, as we’ve always said, we believe he is the right person to lead RCI as CEO,” said Loretta Rogers, Melinda Rogers-Hixon and Martha Rogers.
“The three of us voted against this wrong decision, which creates great uncertainty for RCI and its employees, customers, sports fans and shareholders, not to mention the Shaw transaction.”
Earlier this month, Rogers Communications said it will not appeal a British Columbia Supreme Court ruling upheld by Edward Rogers’ reconstituted board of directors.
READ MORE: Rogers Will Not Appeal BC Supreme Court Decision Confirming Board Review
The son of the company’s founder used his authority as head of the family trust, which owns 97.5 percent of the voting shares, to replace various board members with his own selected directors after he was ousted as chairman. .
His new board re-elected him to his position.
Edward Rogers’ mother and two sisters opposed the measures, saying they went against the company’s governance practices.
He took the case to the Supreme Court of BC, where the company is incorporated.
Judge Shelley Fitzpatrick affirmed Edward Rogers ‘authority to make changes to the board without holding a shareholders’ meeting.
© 2021 The Canadian Press
Reference-globalnews.ca