TORONTO — Rogers Communications has appointed longtime Bell Media executive Rick Brace to head its media business, replacing the outgoing Keith Pelley.
Pelley announced in April that he was leaving to become the new commissioner and CEO of the European Tour golf circuit.
Brace, with 35 years of experience in the media business, helped found Bell’s successful TSN all-sports channel and served as president at both TSN and CTV.
“Rick is a seasoned business leader with strong operational experience and a passion for the media industry that’s second to none,” Rogers CEO Guy Laurence said in a statement announcing the appointment on Tuesday.
Brace will be in charge of Rogers’ media business, which includes its broadcast TV channels, publishing brands (including Maclean’s), specialty channels such as SportsNet, and sports investments including Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.
His appointment comes as Laurence continues to implement his Rogers 3.0 corporate overhaul since joining the company (TSX:RCI.B) in December 2013.
Among other things, he has cut staff and focused on streamlining the telecom giant’s organization. In May the company axed foreign-language newscasts at its OMNI multicultural channels, replacing them with cheaper current affairs programming and cutting 110 jobs.
