Canadian operator Rogers Communications named former CFO Tony Staffieri as interim chief of the company, effective immediately, following the abrupt departure of CEO Joe Natale.
The operator said in a press release it has begun a search to fill the role on a permanent basis and noted Staffieri will be among the contenders.
Rogers Board Chairman Edward Rogers praised Staffieri as one of “the most highly regarded and seasoned telecommunications executives in the industry,” adding he played a key role in striking the operator’s $16 billion deal to acquire Shaw Communications. Staffieri previously served as the company’s CFO for nine years but left suddenly at the end of September.
“His incredible work ethic, track record for results, focus on long-term strategic growth, driving an excellent experience for our customers and employees and strong operational execution will serve us well,” Rogers continued.
Natale had served as Rogers Communications’ CEO since 2017. It is unclear whether he was forced out or left of his own accord.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead Rogers Communications through a critical time in its history and remain excited about the transformational potential of the Shaw transaction,” Natale said in a statement. “It has been a privilege to build a team of such extraordinary character and ability and I wish each of our 24,000 team members continued success and good fortune in the future.”
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His exit follows a public spat between members of the operator’s board which began when Edward Rogers unsuccessfully pushed a proposal to replace Natale with Staffieri. Rogers was removed from the chairman role in October but took the matter to court and was reinstated earlier this month when a judge ruled in his favor. The operator decided not to appeal the decision.
In a statement issued following the ruling, Edward Rogers said Natale remained “CEO and a director of Rogers Communications and has the Board's support.”
Rogers’ mother and sisters, who are also board members and previously backed Natale, told the Toronto Star they were “very disappointed that Edward has driven the termination of Joe Natale as RCI’s CEO.”
“This is simply another instance in which Edward has placed his desire for unchecked control over RCI ahead of basic good governance and responsible corporate stewardship,” they concluded.