In this Thursday, May 20, 2010, file photo, Dish Network CEO Charles Ergen speaks at the Google conference in San Francisco. Ergen, the founder of satellite TV company Dish, is stepping aside as CEO to focus on the company’s wireless business, but he will remain chairman. The new CEO, Dish Network Corp. president Erik Carlson, will report to Ergen. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Dish Network this week announced a restructuring plan and an increased emphasis on the satellite TV provider’s wireless operations.
Dish Chairman and co-founder Charlie Ergen stepped down as CEO “to devote more attention to the company’s emerging wireless business,” the company said in a statement, while a new group structure would “more effectively organize the company’s operational and staff leadership.”
Dish spent billions in federal spectrum auctions last year and indicated plans to meet FCC network buildout requirements. The company did not offer many details about its wireless ambitions, but Ergen said that new CEO Erik Carlson “brings a complete understanding of the business opportunities both Dish TV and Sling TV possess.”
“I have every confidence that under Erik’s leadership our new organizational structure will deliver value for Dish TV and Sling TV and will aid our entry into wireless,” Ergen said.
Carlson previously served as president of Dish and will continue will report to Ergen, while newly appointed Dish TV group president Brian Neylon and Sling TV group president Warren Schlichting will report to Carlson.
Filed Under: Telecommunications (spectrums)