TORONTO, Sept. 12, 2013 /CNW/ - Rogers Communications today announced
the appointment of Guy Laurence, 51, as President and Chief Executive
Officer effective Monday, December 2, 2013. The appointment follows an
extensive international search for a CEO to succeed Nadir Mohamed, who
announced his plan to retire earlier this year.
A seasoned executive, Laurence brings 30 years of global experience in
telecommunications, pay television and media. Laurence is currently CEO
of Vodafone UK, an estimated 11 billion dollar fixed and mobile
company, operating in one of the most competitive communication markets
in the world. He first joined Vodafone in 2000, holding a number of
increasingly senior roles including CEO of Vodafone Netherlands (2005),
before becoming CEO of Vodafone UK in 2008.
"The board unanimously chose Guy as the best leader to succeed Nadir and
to take the company forward," said Alan Horn, Chairman of the Board,
Rogers Communications Inc. "Guy is a strong, proven executive who has
consistently delivered strong financial and operating results in highly
complex and competitive markets. The breadth and depth of his
experience in telecommunications, pay television and media are
perfectly suited to Rogers and to the challenges and opportunities we
see ahead."
Prior to Vodafone, Laurence held various executive leadership positions
at a number of leading media companies, including MGM Studios. A
natural entrepreneur with strong commercial instincts, Laurence brings
a passion for innovation, the customer experience and leading high
performing teams.
"Rogers is an iconic and well respected company in a great country and
I'm looking forward to joining," said Guy Laurence. "Its unique mix of
wireless, cable and media assets offer a brilliant platform to provide
innovative service to Canadians. I intend to build on the strong
foundation established under Nadir's leadership to compete and win in
the market."
Mohamed will retire when Laurence becomes CEO. He and Laurence will work
together with the executive team to ensure a smooth and seamless
transition.
"Nadir significantly strengthened the company and I'd like to thank him
for his substantial contributions over the past 13 years and for his
ongoing leadership," said Edward Rogers, Deputy Chairman and Chair of
the Rogers Control Trust. "We are delighted Guy is joining Rogers and
believe he is the right leader to take the company to the next stage as
we continue to deliver on our founder's vision. Guy brings an
entrepreneurial edge, a fiercely competitive spirit and a sharp focus
on both operational excellence and the customer experience."
About Rogers
Rogers Communications is a diversified Canadian communications and media
company. We are Canada's largest provider of wireless voice and data
communications services and one of Canada's leading providers of cable
television, high-speed Internet and telephony. Through Rogers Media we
are engaged in radio and television broadcasting, televised shopping,
magazines and trade publications, sports entertainment, and digital
media. We are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A
and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI).
SOURCE Rogers Communications Inc.
