Jordan Banks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jordan Banks
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Jordan Banks presenting on stage (2012)
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| Born | 17 May 1968 |
| Alma mater | University of Western Ontario, Osgoode Hall Law School |
| Occupation | President, Rogers Media |
| Employer | Rogers Communications |
Jordan Banks was born on May 17, 1968. He is a Canadian businessman known for leading big companies. He used to be the President of Rogers Sports & Media until January 14, 2022.
Before that, he was in charge of Facebook and Instagram in Canada. He also led a company called JumpTV, which showed sports and TV online. JumpTV later joined with Neulion Inc. in 2008. Even earlier, Jordan Banks was a top manager at eBay Canada, which he helped start in 2000.
In 2012, a newspaper called the Financial Post named him "The Most Influential Innovator in Canada." Then, in 2014, Canadian Business magazine said he was one of "Canada's 50 Most Powerful Business People."
Contents
Early Life and Education
Jordan Banks was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He grew up in Toronto, Ontario. He went to St Andrew’s Junior High School and York Mills Collegiate Institute.
He studied Political Science at the University of Western Ontario. Later, he earned a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University.
Jordan Banks' Career Journey
Starting as a Lawyer
In 1994, Jordan Banks began his career as a lawyer. He worked for a law firm in Toronto called Goodmans.
Working with Sports and Online Sales
In 1997, he joined the National Hockey League Players' Association. There, he worked in a group that handled business deals and international partnerships.
Jordan Banks was one of the first people hired at eBay Canada. He helped launch the company in 2000. By 2005, he became the Managing Director. He stayed in this role until 2007. While he was at eBay, the Canadian part of the company grew to over $1 billion in sales.
In October 2007, Banks became the CEO of JumpTV. This company showed live and on-demand sports and TV online. He helped arrange for JumpTV to merge with Charles Wang’s Neulion Inc.
Investing in New Technology
After his time at JumpTV, Jordan Banks co-founded a company called Thunder Road Capital. This company invests in and advises new technology businesses. So far, they have invested in more than 50 companies.
Leading Facebook Canada
In 2010, Banks was named the Managing Director of Facebook Canada. By February 2014, 19 million Canadians used Facebook every month. More than 14 million of them logged in daily, with 10 million using their phones. In 2013, he also became the Global Head of Vertical Strategy for Facebook.
Leading Rogers Sports & Media
In July 2019, Jordan Banks was appointed President of Rogers Sports and Media. He held this position until January 14, 2022.
Community Involvement and Boards
Jordan Banks has done a lot to help his community.
Supporting Alzheimer's Research
He started Sportsfest, an event that raised over $1 million for Alzheimer's research. He also created the "1 Million Tweets To Remember" movement on Twitter. This helped create a digital memory for people affected by Alzheimer's disease.
He also served on the Board of Directors for The Baycrest Foundation and The Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care. This hospital focuses on new ways to help with aging and brain health. Banks also advised the Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases.
Other Important Boards
Jordan Banks is currently on the Board of Directors for several organizations. These include Cineplex Entertainment, The Hospital For Sick Children Foundation, The Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation, and The Black North Initiative.
In 2012, he joined the Board of Governors for the University of Waterloo. He is also a founding member of the C100, a mentor for Extreme Startups, and an advisor to the Next 36.
Awards and Recognition
Jordan Banks has received many awards for his work and leadership.
- In 2006, he was one of the first four winners of the Hugo Boss "Leave A Mark Award." This award celebrates "Men of Excellence" in Canada.
- He was also named one of Canada’s "Top 40 Under 40."
- In 2012, he was invited to give "The Last Lecture" at the University of Western Ontario.
- The Financial Post chose him as "The Most Influential Innovator In Canada" in 2012.
- In 2014, Canadian Business named him one of "The 50 Most Powerful Business People in Canada."
- That same year, the Weizmann Institute of Science named him one of Canada's 10 Leading Men. This recognized his commitment to helping others and understanding the importance of science.
