Former Rogers CEO Joe Natale Files $24M Wrongful Dismissal Suit

Joe Natale

Former Rogers Communications CEO Joe Natale is suing for wrongful dismissal and breach of contract over his ouster during the 2021 family power struggle for control of the company led by Edward Rogers.

Broadcast Dialouge reports Natale’s statement of claim, filed in Ontario Superior Court this week, seeks $24 million in damages, including $4 million related to an unpaid bonus due upon closure of Rogers’ acquisition of Shaw Communications, under terms of his employment contract.

A former TELUS CEO, Natale served as Rogers’ CEO from 2017 to Nov. 2021, when current President & CEO Tony Staffieri was appointed to the role.

The company told Broadcast Dialogue it plans to vigorously defend itself against the allegations, going further to confirm Rogers will file a counterclaim alleging Natale awarded himself “excessive compensation without proper board approval” just a month prior to his departure.

“An independent investigation has revealed that Joe Natale engaged in serious misconduct during his time as CEO,” said Rogers in a statement. “As a result, we have made the necessary decision to terminate him for cause.”