Rogers Communications : Colette Watson Departs Rogers Sports & Media; Julie Adam Appointed SVP of TV & Radio

After a remarkable 30-year career at Rogers and accomplishing all that she set out to do, Colette Watson announced in April that she is stepping down as the SVP of Television & Broadcast Operations and her last day with the company will be June 15.

'Colette has been an invaluable member of the Rogers team and a driving force behind industry change. Over her 30-year career, whether it was in cable, regulatory, or media, she consistently delivered under pressure, championed what's right, and put the company first,' said Jordan Banks, President, Rogers Sports & Media. 'Faced with industry challenges, she never waivered in her commitment. She thinks big and always finds a way to win.'

'Colette's experience, business acumen, and ability to foster relationships with key leaders have always been critical to the company's success,' added Phil Lind, Vice Chair of Rogers Communications, who hired Watson at Rogers in 1990.

During her tenure at Rogers, Watson led a stable of more than 40 community channels that were considered the gold standard in Canada, lobbied the CRTC to allow vertically-integrated companies to move funds to over-the-air TV from community television, won the OMNI Television 9(1)(h) licence, and returned Citytv to profitability.

'I have seen tremendous change in the telecommunications and media industries these past three decades, and I'm so proud to have been part of the leading transformations by Rogers. There's a great team in place, and the friendships I have made here feel more like family,' said Watson, who will continue in her role as President of Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC) indefinitely.

Following Watson's departure, Banks today announced that Julie Adam will take on an expanded portfolio and become SVP of TV & Radio, effective June 16.

'Julie has an unrelenting drive to be at the forefront of change. She is compassionate yet fierce, has fostered a terrific culture across her team, and leads with an inspiring and collaborative mindset ensuring all ideas and team members are valued,' said Banks. 'Our TV and Radio teams already work very closely together, and I have no doubt both teams will continue to thrive with Julie at the helm.'

In addition to Adam's current role overseeing Rogers Sports & Media's 56 radio stations and 2 podcast networks, she will now also be accountable for Citytv, OMNI Television, FX/FXX, OLN, the company's 30 local Rogers TV stations, and Broadcast Operations.

Adam has been with Rogers Radio for 21 years, the last five of which she has masterfully led the Radio & Audio business. She had the foresight to expand the company's audio asset mix to launch Frequency Podcast Network in 2018 and acquired branded content podcast company Pacific Content in 2019.

'I am very excited to work with the TV team and I know that our Radio and TV groups will prove to be even stronger together as one,' said Adam. 'Colette and I have been trusted colleagues and friends for many years, and I couldn't be more honoured to take the reigns from such an incredible leader.'

Watson and Adam are already working hand-in-hand to ensure a seamless transition.

About Rogers Sports & Media
Rogers Sports & Media is a diverse sports and content company that engages more than 30 million Canadians each week. The company's multimedia offerings include 56 radio stations, 30 local TV stations, 23 conventional and specialty television stations, podcasts, digital and e-commerce websites, and sporting events. Rogers Sports & Media delivers unique storytelling through its range of powerful brands: Citytv, OMNI Television, FX, TSC, KiSS, Breakfast Television, Cityline, CityNews, Sportsnet - Canada's #1 sports network, and the Blue Jays - Canada's only Major League Baseball team. Rogers Sports & Media is a subsidiary of Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX, NYSE: RCI). Visit RogersSportsandMedia.com.