Rogers Communications announced the appointment of Tony Staffieri as president and chief executive officer from interim CEO, following a months-long boardroom battle on who should lead the company. Reuters said it its news report.
“The appointment of Tony as President and CEO puts Rogers in a strong position as we prepare for the closing and integration of the Shaw transaction in the first half of 2022,” said Edward Rogers, Chairman of the Board. “This is a pivotal point in the company’s history and the Board has full confidence in Tony’s ability to lead Rogers as we move forward.”
The dispute began after company Chairman Edward Rogers, the son of the company’s late founder Ted Rogers, attempted to drop Joe Natale as CEO in September last year, saying he had lost confidence in Natale’s ability to lead the company through the C$20 billion ($15.81 billion) acquisition deal of smaller rival Shaw Communications and replace him with Tony Staffieri.
Edward Rogers failed to win the board’s support, leading to Dony Staffieri, the then chief financial officer, leaving the company. Besides, Edward Rogers’ attempt to oust Joe Natale put him at odds with his mother and two sisters, who are also the company’s directors.
Thereafter, Edward Rogers lost out in the power struggle and was removed as the chairman, but got reinstated in November.
Tony Staffieri, who was appointed as the interim CEO in November, has more than 30 years of experience in the telecoms, media, sports and financial sectors, including nine years as Rogers’ CFO. He also held senior positions at BCE prior to joining Rogers.
