Mark Shapiro Named President & CEO of Toronto Blue Jays and Rogers Centre; Assumes Role at End of Team's Season

-  Will build upon legacy and success of franchise established by Paul Beeston, who retires at end of season -

TORONTO, Aug. 31, 2015 /CNW/ - Rogers Communications today announced that experienced baseball executive Mark Shapiro has been appointed President & CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays and Rogers Centre, effective following the completion of the team's 2015 season.  Shapiro assumes the role from current President & CEO Paul Beeston, who will retire at the end of the season. 

"Mark is a seasoned baseball veteran, whose leadership, drive for excellence, and commitment to all aspects of the game is impressive.  We have confidence that he is the right person to lead the Toronto Blue Jays into the future and build upon the franchise's legacy," said Edward Rogers, Chairman, Toronto Blue Jays and Deputy Chairman of Rogers Communications.

"Toronto is a world-class city and sports mecca, with an exciting ball club that has support from Canadians all across the country," said Shapiro.  "The Toronto Blue Jays are a first-rate organization with outstanding leadership from Paul Beeston and a firm commitment from ownership to field a winning team.  I am excited to be part of the Rogers team and work with Guy Laurence and Rick Brace, and am honoured to be following in the footsteps of one of baseball's greatest leaders, as I look to build on the franchise's strong foundation and legacy in Canadian sport." 

Shapiro will report directly to Rick Brace, President of Rogers Media.  In an effort to minimize distraction during the team's playoff run, Shapiro will not be commenting further about his appointment with the Blue Jays until he assumes his new role.

Shapiro, 48, spent the past 24 seasons with the Cleveland Indians, the last five of which were as President.  During his tenure with the ball club, the Indians appeared in the post-season eight times, including two World Series appearances.  Following both the 2005 and 2007 seasons, Shapiro was named the Sporting News Executive of the Year; he was also named the Executive of the Year by Baseball America in 2005, and was named to the elite "40 under 40" by Sports Business Journal in 2006.  

"I have known Mark for many years.  He is an exemplary executive and his passion for baseball and winning is remarkable," said Beeston.  "I am happy to pass him the baton – but not just yet; Alex, the team, and I have a little more work to do and we're focused on putting more Ws in the win column."  

Added Rogers: "Paul Beeston has done a tremendous job leading the Toronto Blue Jays for many of the years since the team was established in Toronto.  He brought Canada two World Series and has us all excited looking at the prospects for this year.  Paul will always be a member of the Blue Jays team and family.  In the meantime, he has all of our support as we continue to work towards a strong post-season for the Blue Jays."

About Rogers
Rogers Communications is a leading diversified public Canadian communications and media company. We are Canada's largest provider of wireless communications services and one of Canada's leading providers of cable television, high-speed Internet and telephony services to consumers and businesses. Through Rogers Media, we are engaged in radio and television broadcasting, televised shopping, magazines and trade publications, sports entertainment, and digital media. We are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI).  For further information about the Rogers group of companies, please visit rogers.com.

SOURCE Rogers Communications Inc.

Media Contact: Andrea Goldstein, Rogers Communications, 647.801.4394, [email protected]