Former Industry Minister Bains Joins Leadership Team as Rogers, Shaw Merge

Rogers and Shaw applications are pictured on a cellphone in Ottawa on May 9, 2022. Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press

Rogers Communications Inc. has announced additions to its executive team, including former industry minister Navdeep Bains, as it moves to integrate Shaw into its operations.

Rogers got the approval to buyout Shaw on March 31, and it has selected Shaw’s head of operations and technology, Zoran Stakic, to oversee “a seamless transition” in bringing together the two company’s products and services, according to a Rogers release.

Bains will be the new head of corporate affairs and will lead Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). Rogers said his focus will be on “Canada’s digital economy, access for low-income families, and action on climate change.”

When he served as Liberal industry minister from 2015–2021, Bains advocated for improving connectivity in rural and remote indigenous communities.

Bains was hailed as a hopeful for the leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party. However, on March 30, he announced he would not seek the leadership. “As I continue to focus on my family, work and community, I look forward to helping rebuild the party as a member, not as a leadership candidate,” he said on Twitter.

After leaving federal politics in 2021, Bains became vice-chair of global investment banking for CIBC.

The third new member to the Rogers executive team is Terrie Tweddle, who will serve as chief brand and communications officer. She worked for Rogers from 2008–2020 and returned in the fall of 2022.

With the three new additions, the company’s executive team totals 11.

Shaw’s former CEO, Brad Shaw, will join the Rogers board of directors, as will Shaw’s former CFO and executive vice-president, Trevor English.

“Over the past 16 months, our senior leadership team has led the turnaround of our performance, closed a historic merger with Shaw, and created strong momentum in the marketplace,” said Rogers President and CEO Tony Staffieri in the release. “Today, I am pleased to add three new members to our senior team who will play a critical role in our growth agenda.”