Guy Laurence


Jonathan Guy Laurence is a British businessman, who is currently the Chief Executive of Premier League club Chelsea. He has previously served as Chief Executive of Vodafone UK, and most recently President and CEO of Rogers Communications.

Early life

He was born in Manchester. He grew up in what is now Cheshire East. He went to King's School Macclesfield, Cheshire.
He attended Teesside Polytechnic, now Teesside University since 1992.

Career

Vodafone

He joined Vodafone in 2000. From 2002 to 2005 he was Chief Executive of Vizavvi. In 2006, he became Chief Executive of Vodafone Netherlands. He became Chief Executive of Vodafone UK in 2009.

Rogers Communications

Laurence served as President and CEO of Rogers Communications from 2 December 2013 to 17 October 2016, succeeding Nadir Mohamed who had retired after his 5-year contract expired. Rogers are the largest mobile and cable operator in Canada and second largest media owner. They also own the Toronto Blue Jays and Sportsnet, the largest sports TV network who paid $5.2bn for the NHL sport rights in 2013.
During his tenure, Rogers beat out Telus to acquire Mobilicity.
However, Laurence was ousted abruptly on 17 October 2016, due to a feud with the Rogers family who have four board seats and control Rogers Communications though voting shares.

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment

Laurence served as a Director of the MLSE the largest sports company in Canada and one of the largest in North America from 2013 to 2016. MLSE own The Toronto Maple Leafs, The Toronto Raptors, Toronto Football Club, and the Toronto Marlies.

Chelsea

On 11 January 2018, Laurence was appointed as Chief Executive of Premier League club Chelsea.

Personal life

He is married with three daughters. He enjoys reading military history. He lives in Buckinghamshire.