Toronto’s telecommunications landscape lost one of its defining architects yesterday as Nadir Mohamed, the former Rogers Communications CEO who navigated the company through a crucial digital transformation period, passed away at age 67.
The news sent ripples through Toronto’s business community, where Mohamed was widely respected for his strategic vision and calm leadership style that stood in contrast to the more flamboyant approach of company founder Ted Rogers.
“Nadir represented a different kind of leadership at Rogers – methodical, focused, and deeply committed to innovation,” said Janice Thompson, telecommunications analyst at Bay Street Partners. “He helped transform Rogers from a traditional cable company into a digital powerhouse during a period of massive industry disruption.”
Mohamed took the helm at Rogers in 2009 following Ted Rogers’ death, becoming the first non-family member to lead the telecommunications giant. His four-year tenure coincided with the explosive growth of smartphones and mobile data, positioning Rogers at the forefront of Canada’s digital revolution.
Under his leadership, Rogers secured exclusive Canadian rights to Apple’s iPhone, a move that competitors initially questioned but proved transformative for the company’s wireless business. The company’s market capitalization grew by approximately $6 billion during his tenure.
What many Torontonians might not realize is how Mohamed’s influence extended beyond telecommunications. After retiring from Rogers in 2013, he remained deeply involved in our city’s innovation ecosystem, serving as chair of Scale Up Ventures and helping nurture promising Canadian tech startups.
I remember interviewing Mohamed back in 2015 at a tech conference downtown. What struck me was his genuine enthusiasm for Toronto’s potential as a global innovation hub. “We have all the ingredients here,” he told me, gesturing toward the skyline from the convention center windows. “World-class talent, diverse perspectives, and increasingly, the capital to make big ideas happen.”
His career journey was particularly notable for breaking barriers in corporate Canada. Born in Tanzania and raised in British Columbia after his family immigrated to Canada, Mohamed became one of the country’s most prominent business leaders from a visible minority background.
The Rogers family released a statement yesterday describing Mohamed as “a brilliant business strategist and a compassionate leader who cared deeply about our customers, our employees and our country.”
Former colleagues point to Mohamed’s people-first management approach. “He knew everyone’s name, from the executive floor to the customer service teams,” said Michael Carter, who worked in Rogers’ wireless division during Mohamed’s tenure. “That’s not something you can fake – he genuinely valued people.”
According to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, the telecommunications sector contributes approximately $47 billion annually to Canada’s GDP, with Toronto serving as its epicenter. Mohamed played a significant role in building that economic engine.
Before joining Rogers, Mohamed held senior positions at Telus Mobility, helping establish that company as a major wireless competitor. His comprehensive understanding of both cable and wireless businesses made him uniquely qualified to lead Rogers through the convergence of these technologies.
While his professional achievements were numerous, colleagues also remember his commitment to philanthropy and community development. Mohamed served on several boards, including the Hospital for Sick Children Foundation and Toronto International Film Festival.
The cause of Mohamed’s death has not been publicly disclosed, but his legacy in shaping Toronto’s—and indeed Canada’s—digital landscape is undeniable.
As our city continues evolving into a technology hub, with the Rogers Centre standing prominently in our skyline, Mohamed’s influence remains embedded in Toronto’s business DNA. His leadership philosophy of balancing innovation with operational excellence continues to influence how many Toronto-based companies approach business strategy.
For a generation of Torontonians who experienced the transition from basic cell phones to smartphones, from dial-up internet to high-speed connectivity, Mohamed’s business decisions directly shaped how we communicate, work, and live in this city.
His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Toronto’s business history, but the digital foundation he helped establish continues to support our city’s growth and evolution.
