Ex-Rogers CEO Joe Natale suing company for wrongful dismissal, seeking $24 million

Former Rogers CEO Joe Natale is suing the corporate for wrongful dismissal and breach of contract, whereas alleging Rogers chairman Edward Rogers carried out “malicious, high-handed, and oppressive conduct.”

In a press release of declare filed with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on Thursday, Natale accused Edward and his spouse Suzanne Rogers of making an attempt to “tarnish his reputation” following his ouster in November 2021.

But Rogers known as its former chief govt’s claims “baseless” and alleged Natale “engaged in serious misconduct” whereas serving on the firm’s helm. It stated in consequence, it has now terminated Natale for trigger.

In courtroom filings, Natale accused Edward and Suzanne Rogers of hiring actor Brian Cox of HBO’s “Succession” to create a “demeaning” video about him and allegedly distributing it to members of the family, mates and colleagues, earlier than it was finally reported on by media.

The video included a message congratulating Edward Rogers on his “real-life Succession at Rogers Communications” and used an expletive to explain Natale’s departure from the corporate.

He stated he and his agency Natale Industries Inc. are entitled to a mixed $24 million, together with $4 million from an unpaid bonus associated to the closing of Rogers’ acquisition of Shaw Communication Inc. in April.

None of the claims in Natale’s go well with have been examined in courtroom.

Natale’s departure from the Toronto-based telecommunications big was introduced following a boardroom energy wrestle over the chairman’s want to exchange him with then-chief monetary officer Tony Staffieri.

Edward’s preliminary try to oust Natale in favour of his No. 2 led as an alternative to Staffieri’s departure in September 2021, in addition to a board vote that noticed Edward faraway from his seat on the head of the desk.

Edward penned a shareholder decision — with no shareholder assembly — to oust the 5 administrators who had defied him. The firm filed a authorized problem to his revamped board, sparking a courtroom battle over who really served on it.

A British Columbia Supreme Court choose dominated Edward Rogers’ declaration professional and he was reinstated as chairman.

Staffieri changed Natale as president and CEO within the aftermath of the ruling.

In the courtroom filings, Natale stated he negotiated and agreed upon the phrases of his severance in a collection of conferences with Edward in September 2021, that have been authorised by the Rogers board.

But he stated a gaggle of board members then requested him to remain on as CEO towards Edward’s needs “to support the strategic priorities of the business, including to complete the Shaw Deal and support the complex regulatory approvals and post-merger integration efforts.”

Natale stated the corporate enhanced his employment phrases in written contracts in October 2021, earlier than he was terminated the following month. He stated the corporate has a contractual obligation from these offers to supply him with sure entitlements on a termination with out trigger however has refused to take action, “instead only providing Natale with compensation consistent with a termination without cause” beneath his earlier contract.

In a press release, Natale spokesman Bill Walker of MidtownPR stated “it is unfortunate that Rogers will not honour its commitments made to Mr. Natale.”

“His employment agreement, put in place by the board of directors at the time was clearly articulated, duly executed and designed to ensure continuity during the Shaw merger,” Walker stated in an e-mail.

“We are assured that the courts will share this view.”

Rogers spokeswoman Sarah Schmidt stated the corporate plans to “defend itself vigorously against his baseless claim” and can file a counterclaim to deal with alleged “improper behaviour” on Natale’s half.

“An impartial investigation has revealed that Joe Natale engaged in severe misconduct throughout his time as CEO. As a consequence, we’ve made the mandatory determination to terminate him for trigger,” Schmidt stated.

“While we would have preferred to deal with this matter privately, Mr. Natale has left us with no choice.”

Schmidt stated that Rogers’ investigation revealed that in October 2021, Natale knew steps have been being taken to make adjustments to the corporate’s board which might finish his tenure as CEO. She alleged Natale awarded himself “excessive compensation without proper board approval” earlier than his departure.

“This, and other actions, were a serious breach of his fiduciary duties as a chief executive officer and director of a public company,” she stated.

“Mr. Natale was aware of the investigation and given an opportunity to respond. He understood the implications of its findings and the lawsuit is an attempt to get ahead of the investigation.”

Earlier this 12 months, Sun Life Financial Inc. named Natale to its board of administrators.

Natale had been chief govt at Telus Corp. earlier than becoming a member of Rogers.

This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed Aug. 18, 2023.