Rogers CEO change

Rogers Communications says Guy Laurence has stepped down as President and CEO effective immediately.

The early morning announcement comes less than three years after Laurence was brought in to restore the Toronto-based Telcom and media giant.

Under his leadership, Rogers finalized the ground-breaking 12-year rights deal with the NHL and underwent a number of management changes.

His replacement will be former Telus chief executive Joe Natale after a transition period. Until Natale is on board at Rogers, the CEO’s position will be filled on an interim basis by Rogers chairman Alan Horn.

There’s still no word on why the move has happened and why the departure is immediate.