Phil Lind, Longtime Rogers Communications Executive, Dies at 80

Phil Lind, the longtime Rogers Communications executive who helped build the company into a major telecom and media conglomerate, has died at the age of 80. Lind passed away suddenly on Monday, August 21, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of contribution and leadership spanning over 54 years.

As Edward Rogers, Chair of Rogers Communications, said in a statement, "Phil worked for Rogers for 54 years, nearly 40 of those years with my father, and helped build Rogers into the telecom and media powerhouse it is today." Lind was involved in every major decision made at Rogers over the company's history. His sudden death comes as a shock to many.

Early Days at Rogers

Lind first met Ted Rogers at a Tory convention before joining the company in 1969 as Programming Chief. At the time, Rogers owned just two radio stations and had about 15,000 cable subscribers.

In his 2018 book "Right Hand Man: How Phil Lind Steered the Genius of Ted Rogers, Canada's Foremost Entrepreneur," Lind described how he helped guide Rogers' genius over the years. After starting as head of programming, he soon established himself as Ted Rogers' most trusted advisor.

Rise to Prominence

Over the next several decades, Lind took on various roles at Rogers, including senior vice president of programming and planning. He helped Rogers expand into cable TV and wireless telephony. The company steadily grew under his leadership.

According to Lind's memoir, he provided prudent counsel to Rogers and helped shape many of the company's major decisions. Lind guided Rogers with business advice and strategic direction. He played a crucial part in transforming Rogers from a small radio company into the media and telecom conglomerate valued today at nearly $30 billion.

Close Relationship with Ted Rogers

Lind shared a close working relationship with Ted Rogers spanning nearly 40 years. The two executives formed a powerful team that propelled Rogers Communications to national prominence.

In his memoir, Lind emphasized that he never saw himself as just an employee of Ted Rogers, but rather as a partner and close confidante. Their bond was built on trust and mutual respect. Lind's steady guidance allowed Ted Rogers' innovative spirit to flourish.

Impact on Rogers' Growth

As Lind advanced into senior leadership positions, he left an indelible mark on Rogers Communications. The company expanded across Canada, entered the wireless market, and became a leading cable TV provider under Lind's direction.

In the 1980s, Lind convinced Ted Rogers to invest heavily in cable infrastructure when the industry was still in its infancy. This prescient decision helped cement Rogers' market dominance for decades to come. Lind was also a driving force behind Rogers' entry into wireless in the mid-1990s.

Lasting Legacy

Phil Lind's sudden passing is a huge loss for Rogers Communications. He was one of the company's foundational executives, helping Rogers grow from a small radio business into a national behemoth.

Lind was a steady hand guiding Rogers for over half a century. As Edward Rogers stated, "We will be eternally thankful to him for the innumerable contributions he has made." Lind's business acumen, foresight, and leadership were integral to Rogers' success.

Conclusion

Phil Lind's death at 80 marks the end of an era. He was Ted Rogers' trusted "right hand man" and a visionary telecom executive. Lind's lifetime of service indelibly shaped Rogers Communications. The company would likely not be the telecom and media giant it is today without Lind's prudent counsel and leadership over so many decades. He will be deeply missed.

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