News
Ex-Telus chief Joe Natale brought in following Guy Laurence’s abrupt departure.
Rogers announced on Thursday that its incoming CEO Joe Natale will take up his new role next week, ahead of schedule, after the Canadian telco reached a deal with his former employer and rival, Telus.
The operator did not disclose a start date when it announced Natale’s appointment in October 2016, just that he would take up his new role after the non-compete clause in his Telus contract had expired.
He was named Rogers’ new CEO following the abrupt resignation of Guy Laurence, who, according to sources at the time, had clashed with members of the Rogers family,who still control the company.
Canada’s Financial Post reported on Thursday that Natale’s non-compete clause with Telus was not due to expire until July; however, Rogers and Telus have a struck a deal that will allow him to start his new job on 19 April, the same day as Rogers’ AGM.
"I’m really excited to join the Rogers team," said Natale.
"The history of the company, the incredible mix of assets, and the growth potential are second to none," he said.
"Joe is a highly respected and proven executive with deep experience delivering strong financial results in a competitive and complex industry," added Alan Horn, chairman and interim CEO of Rogers.
Natale’s tenure at Telus ended as abruptly as Laurence’s job at Rogers.
Natale replaced Darren Entwistle as Telus CEO in March 2014, but left again in August 2015 on grounds that he was reluctant to relocate from Toronto to Vancouver.
With Rogers headquartered in Toronto, there should be no such conflict of interest for Natale this time.
