Guy Laurence

Jonathan Guy Laurence (born 23 November 1961)[1] is a British businessman, who is currently the Chief Executive of Premier League club Chelsea. He has previously served as Chief Executive of Vodafone UK, and most recently President and CEO of Rogers Communications.

Early life

He was born in Manchester.[2] He went to King's School Macclesfield, Cheshire.

He attended Teesside Polytechnic, now Teesside University, beginning in 1992.[3]

Career

Vodafone

He joined Vodafone in 2000.[4] From 2002 to 2005 he was Chief Executive of Vizavvi (Vodafone live!).[5][6] In 2005, he became Chief Executive of Vodafone Netherlands. He became Chief Executive of Vodafone UK in 2008.[7]

Rogers Communications

Laurence served as President and CEO of Rogers Communications from 2 December 2013 to 17 October 2016, succeeding Nadir Mohamed who had retired after his 5-year contract expired.[8] Rogers are the largest mobile and cable operator in Canada and second largest media owner. They also own the Toronto Blue Jays and Sportsnet,[9] the largest sports TV network who paid $5.2bn for the NHL sport rights in 2013.[10]

During his tenure, Rogers beat out Telus to acquire Mobilicity.[11][12]

However, Laurence was ousted on 17 October 2016, due to a feud with the Rogers family who have four board seats and control Rogers Communications though voting shares.[13]

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment

Laurence served as a Director of the MLSE, the largest sports company in Canada and one of the largest in North America from 2013 to 2016. MLSE owns The Toronto Maple Leafs, The Toronto Raptors, Toronto Football Club, and the Toronto Marlies.

Chelsea

On 11 January 2018, Laurence was appointed as Chief Executive of Premier League club Chelsea.[14]

Personal life

He is married with three daughters and lives in Buckinghamshire.

References

1. "Jonathan Guy LAURENCE - Personal Appointments (free information from Companies House)". Companies House. Retrieved 31 October 2016.
2. Twomey, Liam (11 January 2018). "Chelsea hire Guy Laurence as chief executive to fill role vacant since 2014". ESPN.
3. "Vodafone chief Guy Laurence's unconventional approach gets best out of "Generation Y" - Telegraph interview October 2011". Telegraph. Retrieved 31 October 2016.
4. Garside, Juliette (12 September 2013). "Vodafone UK boss to join Canada's Rogers Communications". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
5. Gibson, Owen (30 August 2002). "Vodafone drop Vizzavi name". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
6. Chandiramani, Ravi (2 October 2002). "Vodafone admits Vizzavi brand to go in restructure". Campaign. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
7. Williams, Christopher (12 September 2013). "Vodafone UK chief Guy Laurence wins top job at Rogers". The Telegraph. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
8. "Guy Laurence gained the top job at Rogers because his success against competition in the UK". Canadian Business - Your Source For Business News. 13 September 2013. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
9. "Movers and Shakers: Top 5 most influential people in Canadian Sport". Retrieved 3 December 2017.
10. "Pucks and profit: CEO opens up about Rogers' rookie NHL season". Retrieved 3 December 2017.
11. "The inside story of how Rogers acquired Mobilicity: 'Everybody won but Telus'". Financial Post. 10 July 2015. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
12. "The inside story of how Rogers Communications Inc acquired Mobilicity: 'Everybody won but Telus' | Financial Post". 10 July 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
13. "The Man Who Would Be King: inside the ruthless battle for control of the $34-billion Rogers empire". Toronto Life. 16 October 2014. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
14. "New Chief Executive Appointed". Chelsea Football Club. 11 January 2018.