The Board ofDirectors of Rogers Communications Inc. has confirmed the death of its founder and CEO Edward Samuel “Ted” Rogers.
Rogers, from humble beginnings became a visionary communications industry icon in Canadian business. He was 75 and recently admitted to hospital for treatment for an existing cardiac condition.
Rogers built a Canadian and North American wirelesstelecommunications, cable television, broadcasting, publishing powerhouse.
Alan Horn, the chairman of Rogers, said that Ted Rogers will be sadly missed. He was one of a kind who built the company from one FM radio station into Canada’s largest wireless, cable and media company. A leader also in giving to the community through his and his wife’s many philanthropic initiatives.
Phil Lind, Rogers vice-chairman, who worked alongside Rogers for close to 40 years, also said that Rogers will be missed by so many. “Though Ted was relentless inbusiness and building this company over the years, he was also very much a family man. His impact on family, community and country was as impressive as his business success,” Lind said.
Rogers, who suffered from congestive heart failure, saw his health weaken over the past few years. He was surrounded by loved ones when he died at his home in Toronto.
Rogers’ successor as Chief Executive Officer will be addressed by theRogers Communications Inc. Board of Directors which intends to form a special committee to lead a search considering internal and external candidates. In the meantime, Horn will continueto serve as acting CEO and lead the company’s office of the president.