Rogers Communications Elevates Founder's Son to Executive Chairman

By Adriano Marchese

Rogers Communications named Edward Rogers as executive chairman of the telecom and media company his father founded nearly 65 years ago.

Edward Rogers was elevated to the executive role after holding the chairman position since 2018, the Toronto-based company said late Wednesday.

Lead Director Robert Gemmell said the appointment, which was unanimously confirmed at a board meeting in Calgary, Alberta, formalizes Edward Rogers's existing role and responsibilities.

"This appointment simply recognizes the role Edward is performing at the company," Gemmell said.

In his expanded role, Edward Rogers is expected to lead the development and review of the company's long-term strategy for growth, while Chief Executive Tony Staffieri would continue to run the company.

Rogers Communications was founded by Ted Rogers in 1960 and would later become one of the major telecommunications and media companies in Canada alongside Telus, BCE and the most recent addition, Quebecor.

Edward Rogers has held various executive positions at the company over the years, including president of the Rogers Cable segment as well as CEO of Rogers Cable and Wireless Communications.

In 2021, about three years into his chairmanship, the company announced its acquisition of Shaw Communications in a 26 billion Canadian dollar (US$18.95 billion) takeover, a move that garnered the attention of the country's regulators over concerns that the industry's competitiveness would be compromised.

The deal closed in April of 2023.

During this time, an acrimonious power struggle erupted within the Rogers family where Edward Rogers sought to oust then-CEO Joe Natale and replace him with Staffieri, who held the role of financial chief. The move was blocked by other Rogers family members, including Edward Rogers's mother and sister.

The family feud spilled over into the boards of both Rogers Communications and the family trust that controls the company when Edward Rogers attempted to flush out the board of the company and install five of his own candidates.

The company filed a legal challenge to the board changes, which were then settled in a British Columbia court, which ruled in Edward Rogers's favor. Staffieri was later appointed to the lead role in January 2022.

The family settled its differences in early 2024.

On Wednesday, Staffieri said he has "appreciated the support and advice of Edward over the last several years" and added that he will "look forward to his continued engagement and support on the terrific opportunities that lie ahead for Rogers."

Write to Adriano Marchese at adriano.marchese@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

August 15, 2024 13:08 ET (17:08 GMT)

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