By Connie Thiessen
Rogers Communications Inc. announced yesterday night the passing of Alan Horn, longtime company executive, family ally, and member of the board of directors.
“Alan was one of the most devoted and astute leaders I have ever worked with,” said Edward Rogers, chairman of Rogers Communications, in a statement issued late Monday. “He’s made immeasurable contributions to the company over the past 30 years and for that, we are forever grateful. He not only served as a confidante to Ted, and a trusted advisor to the Board, he was a mentor and a friend to me.”
Horn first joined Rogers in 1990 after working as a tax consultant for Ted Rogers for over a decade. He served as vice president of finance and chief financial officer from 1996 to 2006 and chair of the board from 2006 to 2017. He also served as interim president and chief executive officer from October 2008 to March 2009 and from October 2016 to April 2017 and from October 2008 to March 2009.
A member of the Advisory Committee of the Rogers Control Trust, Horn served continuously on the company’s board of directors from 2006 through the 2021 power struggle that saw Edward Rogers gain control of the Rogers board.
In a release, Rogers credited Horn with substantially strengthening the company’s balance sheet, turning the company’s debt from junk bond to investment grade status, bringing the Rogers operating companies under one public stock, introducing a dividend program and playing an integral role on many transformative acquisitions.
“He acted as a stabilizing force after the passing of Ted Rogers and helped set the company up for future growth,” reads the release.
“Alan played an integral role in the success of Rogers over the past three decades,” added Rogers. “He has been a key steward of the company, and Rogers is much stronger thanks to his leadership. We will miss his sharp mind and wise counsel.”
This story first appeared in Broadcast Dialogue and is reprinted with permission.
