Rogers chairman fills in as CEO while awaiting arrival of Joe Natale
TORONTO — In a surprise move, Rogers Communications announced Monday the immediate departure of its CEO Guy Laurence and the uncertain arrival time for his replacement, former Telus chief executive Joe Natale.
The man assigned to bridge the gap as interim CEO of the telecommunications and media giant — veteran Rogers chairman Alan Horn — said the company is working to hire Natale as soon as he is able to join.
“We can’t be more specific on timing at present,” Horn said in a conference call.
Analysts noted that Natale is bound by a non-compete contract with Telus. They asked why the change of leadership was announced Monday and why Laurence departed so abruptly, without a transition period.