Paul Beeston Signs Extension with Toronto Blue Jays

Will Retire at End of Team's 2015 Season

TORONTO, Jan. 26, 2015 /CNW/ - Rogers Communications announced today that Paul Beeston has signed a contract extension and will remain President and CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays until the end of the team's 2015 season, at which time he will retire.

"Paul is one of baseball's greats, whose passion for – and commitment to – winning is unparalleled. He is a proud Canadian and we're proud to have him lead Canada's team for the upcoming season," said Edward Rogers, Chairman, Toronto Blue Jays.  "We have been in discussions with Paul about his future with the team since his contract expired in October.  There were many rumours flying about, but it would have been inappropriate to comment on such matters publicly.  Make no mistake – we are elated to have Paul continue to lead the team for this season."

"I love this ball club and the fans.  I wake up every day thinking about the game and bringing another championship north of the border. I'm excited for the season ahead – we've got a great group of guys who are fiercely competitive and hope to be playing ball in October," said Beeston.

Beeston, 69, was the first Toronto Blue Jays employee in 1976 and has been with the ball club for 31 years, winning two World Series titles with the team.  He has served two terms as Toronto Blue Jays president (1989-1997 and 2008-present), and five years as president and COO of Major League Baseball.  A native of Welland, Ontario, Beeston is a member of the Order of Canada.  He serves on the executive committee of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002. 

Beeston's successor will start when he retires. We will not be commenting on the succession process or timing.

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.