Rogers Communications has announced the appointment of Jordan Banks, former managing director of Facebook and Instagram Canada, as the incoming president of Rogers Media.
A press release says Banks will take up the role effective Sept. 9, succeeding the retiring Rick Brace, who has served as president since 2015.
Banks, 51, has more than 20 years of experience in the media, sports, and technology sectors. In addition to Facebook and Instagram Canada, where he was managing director for seven years, Banks also served as Facebook’s Global Head of Vertical Strategy, helping the company grow its business in multiple countries. Banks has also held roles with JumpTV, an internet broadcaster of sports and international television; was managing director at eBay Canada; and worked with the NHL Players’ Association in international business and licensing.
His mandate will include overseeing business across Sportsnet, Citytv, OMNI Television, Rogers Radio, the Toronto Blue Jays and TSC (The Shopping Channel), with a focus on driving growth across sports and local in the current digital environment.
“I am thrilled to join such an iconic Canadian company with its incredible breadth and depth of sports and media assets,” said Banks. “I am honoured and excited to build on Rick’s legacy and look forward to working with the team to drive the next wave of growth across our sports and media businesses.”
Brace said in the release he’s leaving the company knowing the business is in good hands. Prior to joining Rogers in 2015, Brace was with Bell Media/CTVglobemedia for 13 years in senior leadership roles, including president of CTV and president of Specialty TV. He also played a founding role at TSN, joining the network in 1984 as deputy head of sports and serving as president of the network from 1998 to 2000. His broadcasting career started behind-the-scenes at CBC in 1975 as a technician and in television production.
Brace and Banks will work together in a transition period through the end of the year.
“Rick is a seasoned business leader who measurably reshaped our media business for the future, and I would like to thank him for his many accomplishments,” said Joe Natale, President and Chief Executive Officer, Rogers. “Jordan is a globally respected and transformative digital executive who will build on Rick’s legacy to drive future growth.”
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