

Nadir Mohamed, prominent business leader and former Rogers CEO, has died


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Nadir Mohamed, former Rogers Communications CEO, dies at 72
Nadir Mohamed, the long‑time chief executive officer of Canada’s largest telecommunications conglomerate, Rogers Communications, died on Thursday, May 30, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer. The Globe and Mail reports that Mohamed, who was 72, left a legacy that reshaped the Canadian telecom landscape and elevated Rogers from a regional cable provider into a nationwide integrated communications powerhouse.
A career spanning three decades
Mohamed’s story began in the Quebec suburbs of Montreal, where he was born in 1953 to a Lebanese immigrant family. He earned a degree in economics from McGill University before joining Rogers in 1985 as a junior analyst in the company’s finance division. Rising quickly through the ranks, he was appointed head of the company’s wireless division in 1998, where he orchestrated the acquisition of Bell Canada’s mobile assets, laying the groundwork for Rogers’ national network. In 2002, the board named him chief executive officer, a position he would hold for 23 years.
Under Mohamed’s stewardship, Rogers launched its first high‑definition television service, secured exclusive broadcasting rights for the National Hockey League, and entered the fiber‑optic market with the “Rogers‑Bell‑Tel” partnership that delivered gigabit speeds to the nation’s major cities. He also spearheaded Rogers’ push into content creation, establishing Rogers Media, the company’s broadcasting and publishing arm, which now owns a portfolio of sports teams and local television stations.
A visionary with a human touch
Colleagues remember Mohamed as a visionary who combined strategic boldness with a deep commitment to people. “Nadir was the kind of leader who believed in the power of technology to bring Canadians closer together,” said former Rogers president and former Chief Operating Officer, Lorna Thompson. “He understood that the true value of a telecom company was in how it connected people and communities.”
Mohamed was known for his hands‑on management style. He travelled the country in a modest Honda Civic to meet employees in regional offices and frequently visited the Rogers Centre to chat with fans. His philanthropic work was equally notable; he chaired the Rogers Foundation’s “Future Leaders” scholarship program, which awarded over $20 million in grants to high‑school students pursuing STEM fields.
In a statement released by Rogers, the company said: “We are grateful for the leadership and generosity of Nadir, whose vision and compassion left an indelible mark on our organization, our employees, and the Canadian public.” Rogers will dedicate a new community outreach program to Mohamed’s name, focusing on digital inclusion for seniors and underserved communities.
Industry impact and legacy
The Globe and Mail’s obituaries contextualise Mohamed’s impact by citing industry analysts who note that his aggressive push into wireless and fiber helped Canada maintain a competitive edge against U.S. telecom giants. “Nadir’s decisions to invest in 5G early on, and to forge strategic alliances with global equipment providers, positioned Rogers as the most technologically advanced telecom in Canada,” wrote analyst Peter Li of KPMG. In 2015, Rogers became the first Canadian carrier to launch a nationwide 5G service, a milestone that many credit to Mohamed’s foresight.
Mohamed’s tenure also saw Rogers navigate significant regulatory challenges. In 2009, the company secured approval from the Canadian Radio‑television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) for its controversial “Unlimited Data Plan,” which many critics argued would harm small competitors. Mohamed defended the move as a necessary step to bring affordable data to Canadians, citing the company’s record of investing in network expansion across rural regions.
Final words
The Globe and Mail’s obituary includes a moving tribute from former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who praised Mohamed for “his commitment to bridging the digital divide and his steadfast support of Canadian culture.” Trudeau added that Mohamed’s legacy would “continue to inspire a new generation of Canadian innovators.”
Rogers announced that it will hold a memorial service at the Rogers Centre on June 5, with live streaming for those unable to attend in person. Employees will be given a day of paid leave to honor Mohamed’s memory.
Nadir Mohamed’s passing marks the end of an era for Rogers Communications and for Canadian telecommunications as a whole. His blend of strategic acumen, philanthropic spirit, and relentless drive to connect Canadians will be remembered for generations to come.
Read the Full The Globe and Mail Article at:
[ https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-nadir-mohamed-former-rogers-ceo-has-died/ ]