Telus Announces Leadership Transition As Darren Entwistle Steps Down
Table of Contents
- 1. Telus Announces Leadership Transition As Darren Entwistle Steps Down
- 2. Executive Shakeup At The Telecom Giant
- 3. A Calculated Succession plan
- 4. financial Performance Amidst Competitive Pressures
- 5. Industry Dynamics and Future Outlook
- 6. What Does this Mean For Telus Investors?
- 7. What impact will Victor Dodig’s appointment have on Telus’s future strategy?
- 8. Telus CEO Succession: Victor Dodig Takes the Reins from Darren Entwistle
- 9. Darren Entwistle’s Legacy at Telus
- 10. Victor Dodig’s Background and Expertise
- 11. Implications for Telus’ Future Strategy
- 12. Industry Reactions and Analyst Perspectives
- 13. The Transition Process
Published February 12, 2026
Executive Shakeup At The Telecom Giant
Vancouver, British Columbia – Telus Corporation announced today that Darren Entwistle will be retiring as Chief Executive Officer at the end of June. He will be succeeded by Victor Dodig, formerly the head of CIBC, marking a critically important change at the helm of the Canadian telecommunications leader.
Entwistle, who has dedicated 26 years to Telus, expressed immense gratitude for his time with the company and the possibility to collaborate with his colleagues. The transition plan involves Dodig assuming the role of CEO designate instantly, with a full-time integration into the leadership team starting May 1st, before officially taking over on July 1st.
A Calculated Succession plan
The Telus board emphasized its priority in selecting a leader whose values align with the company’s established culture. According to John Manley, Chairman of the Telus board, Dodig’s experience in customer-focused businesses, coupled with his regulatory expertise, makes him the ideal candidate to build upon Entwistle’s legacy and ensure continued value for shareholders.
Dodig’s departure from CIBC last year, where he served as CEO for over a decade, paved the way for this new chapter. He will retain the title of CEO Emeritus and will be available as an advisor to Dodig until April 30, 2027, ensuring a smooth handover of responsibilities.
financial Performance Amidst Competitive Pressures
The proclamation coincided with the release of Telus’ fourth-quarter financial results, revealing a profit attributable to common shares of $292 million, or 19 cents per share. This represents a decrease compared to the $358 million, or 24 cents per share, reported in the same quarter last year. Operating revenue also saw a slight decline, totaling $5.26 billion against $5.38 billion in the prior year’s fourth quarter.
Adjusted earnings per share where reported at 20 cents, down from 25 cents in the fourth quarter of 2024. zainul Mawji, Executive Vice-President and President of Telus Consumer Solutions, highlighted the impact of aggressive pricing strategies employed by smaller competitors.
Industry Dynamics and Future Outlook
mawji described the current market landscape as characterized by “irrational tactics” and a detrimental “race to the bottom” driven by competitors masking promotions to erode premium brand value. She affirmed Telus’ commitment to responding to this aggression through its flanker and prepaid brands.
Despite these competitive challenges, Telus reported a mobile phone churn rate of 1.46% in the fourth quarter, an improvement from 1.50% the previous year. The company added 50,000 net mobile phone subscribers, even though this figure represents a decrease of 20,000 from the year before. Average revenue per mobile user declined to $57.10, attributed to increased adoption of lower-priced base rate plans and decreases in roaming charges.
| Metric | Q4 2025 | Q4 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Profit (attributable to common shares) | $292 million | $358 million |
| Operating Revenue | $5.26 billion | $5.38 billion |
| Adjusted EPS | $0.20 | $0.25 |
| Mobile Churn Rate | 1.46% | 1.50% |
What Does this Mean For Telus Investors?
Analysts suggest the leadership transition may prompt questions about Telus’ capital allocation strategy, particularly regarding its dividend. Though, they generally view Dodig as a capable leader who aligns with investor expectations.The telecommunications industry continues to evolve, with increased pressure on pricing and a growing emphasis on customer retention.
With the rise of 5G and the increasing demand for data, companies like Telus must adapt to maintain competitiveness. How will Victor Dodig navigate these challenges and position Telus for long-term success?
Do you think a leadership change is what Telus needs to address the current competitive pressures? What strategies would you employ to ensure Telus continues to innovate and thrive in the evolving telecommunications landscape?
What impact will Victor Dodig’s appointment have on Telus’s future strategy?
Telus CEO Succession: Victor Dodig Takes the Reins from Darren Entwistle
The Canadian telecommunications landscape shifted today with the proclamation that Victor Dodig, former President and CEO of CIBC, will succeed Darren Entwistle as Chief Executive Officer of Telus. This marks a critically important transition for the company, effective May 31, 2026, after Entwistle’s remarkable 24-year tenure, including over two decades as CEO. The move signals a potential new direction for Telus, building on its established strengths in connectivity, healthcare, and digital solutions.
Darren Entwistle’s Legacy at Telus
Darren Entwistle’s leadership has been instrumental in transforming Telus from a regional telephone company into a national technology leader. Key achievements during his time include:
* Strategic Investments: Significant investments in fiber optic infrastructure, establishing Telus as a leader in high-speed internet and 5G technology.
* Diversification: expanding beyond customary telecommunications into healthcare through Telus Health, and into agricultural technology with Telus Agriculture.
* Customer Focus: A consistent emphasis on customer experience, resulting in consistently high customer satisfaction ratings within the Canadian telecom sector.
* Shareholder Value: Delivering substantial returns to shareholders through consistent growth and innovation.
Entwistle will remain with Telus as Chairman Emeritus, providing guidance during the transition period. His departure leaves a substantial void, but also creates an opportunity for fresh perspectives.
Victor Dodig’s Background and Expertise
Victor Dodig brings a wealth of experience to telus,having led CIBC through a period of significant growth and digital transformation. His career highlights include:
* Digital Banking Innovation: Spearheading CIBC’s digital banking initiatives, resulting in increased adoption of mobile and online banking services.
* Strategic Acquisitions: Overseeing strategic acquisitions that expanded CIBC’s market share and service offerings.
* Risk Management: Demonstrating a strong track record in risk management and regulatory compliance.
* Stakeholder Engagement: Building strong relationships with stakeholders, including investors, employees, and regulators.
dodig’s experience in the financial sector, while different from telecommunications, provides a valuable skillset in areas like capital allocation, strategic planning, and operational efficiency – all crucial for navigating the evolving telecom industry.
Implications for Telus’ Future Strategy
The appointment of Dodig suggests telus may be poised to accelerate its diversification efforts. While maintaining its core telecommunications business will remain paramount, expect a greater emphasis on:
* Telus Health Expansion: Further investment in Telus Health, potentially through strategic partnerships or acquisitions, to capitalize on the growing demand for digital healthcare solutions.
* Technological Convergence: exploring opportunities to integrate Telus’ connectivity infrastructure with other technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT).
* 5G Monetization: Developing new revenue streams based on the capabilities of 5G networks, including enhanced mobile broadband, ultra-reliable low latency communications, and massive machine-type communications.
* Lasting Growth: Continuing Telus’ commitment to social responsibility and environmental sustainability, aligning business practices with broader societal goals.
Industry Reactions and Analyst Perspectives
Industry analysts have largely reacted positively to the news,citing Dodig’s proven leadership abilities and strategic vision. Some analysts predict a potential shift in Telus’ capital allocation strategy, with a greater focus on growth opportunities outside of traditional telecommunications.
“Dodig’s background suggests a willingness to explore new markets and disrupt existing business models,” noted telecom analyst Sarah Miller of Brightline Capital. “This could be a catalyst for further innovation at Telus.”
The Transition Process
Telus has outlined a comprehensive transition plan to ensure a smooth handover of leadership. This includes:
- Knowledge Transfer: Extensive knowledge transfer sessions between Entwistle and Dodig to familiarize the incoming CEO with Telus’ operations, strategy, and key stakeholders.
- Executive Alignment: Meetings with key members of the telus executive team to align on priorities and ensure a unified vision for the future.
- Stakeholder Interaction: Proactive communication with investors, employees, and customers to address any concerns and build confidence in the new leadership.
- Board Oversight: Ongoing oversight from the Telus Board of Directors to provide guidance and support during the transition period.
The coming months will be critical as Victor Dodig settles into his new role and begins to shape the future of Telus.The Canadian telecom sector, and its stakeholders, will be watching closely.
