TORONTO – Rogers Communications announced today that Joe Natale will join the company as president and CEO next week, on Wednesday April 19.
In the press release, Rogers said that a confidential agreement was reached with Telus, Natale’s former employer, to secure his early arrival. He had been slated to join Rogers in June, after his non-compete agreement with Telus had expired. Natale had been with Telus since 2003 and had been promoted to CEO, before leaving that company in August 2015 when former CEO and Telus board chair Darren Entwistle took the job back.
"We are very pleased to have Joe join Rogers," said Alan Horn, chairman of the board of Rogers and interim president and CEO, in the release. "Joe is a highly respected and proven executive with deep experience delivering strong financial results in a competitive and complex industry."
"I'm really excited to join the Rogers team," added Natale. "The history of the company, the incredible mix of assets, and the growth potential are second to none. I look forward to working with Alan and the team to build on Ted's legacy and the incredible progress the company has made."
Rogers let go its most recent CEO, Guy Laurence, in October, 2016, announcing Natale’s hiring at the same time.
The new CEO will be appointed to the Rogers board at its annual general meeting which is also next Wednesday.
"On behalf of the board and all of our employees I'd like to welcome Joe to Rogers. We are thrilled to have a person of his calibre and experience lead Rogers. I also want to thank Alan for his leadership of the Company since October," said Edward Rogers, deputy chairman, Rogers Communications, in the press release. "Alan, the leadership team and Joe will work together to ensure a seamless transition. When Joe arrives he will build on the momentum that's been established bringing an even greater focus on the customer."
