Ergen quits as DISH CEO to concentrate on wireless

DISH Network Chairman Charlie Ergen has relinquished his post as Chief Executive Officer to devote more attention to the company’s emerging wireless business. The company has promoted Erik Carlson to President and CEO from his prior role as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). Carlson will continue to report to Ergen.

Under Carlson’s leadership, the company will assume a group structure to more effectively organise the company’s operational and staff leadership to support DISH TV, Sling TV and the company’s wireless business.

“With more than 20 years’ experience at DISH, Erik brings a complete understanding of the business opportunities both DISH TV and Sling TV possess,” said Ergen. “I have every confidence that under Erik’s leadership our new organisational structure will deliver value for DISH TV and Sling TV and will aid our entry into wireless.”

Executives reporting to Carlson include:

• Brian Neylon, who will serve as executive vice president (EVP), Group President, DISH TV. Formerly EVP, Customer Acquisition and Retention, Neylon will have accountability for all aspects of the DISH TV group’s strategy and performance. Neylon will retain oversight of the company’s Customer Acquisition and Retention departments.
• Warren Schlichting, who will serve as EVP, Group President, Sling TV. Formerly EVP, Marketing, Programming and Media Sales, Schlichting will have accountability for all aspects of the Sling TV group’s strategy and performance. Schlichting will retain oversight of the DISH Media Sales and Programming departments.
• EVP John Swieringa, who succeeds Carlson as COO for DISH. In this capacity, Swieringa will oversee all operational departments supporting the company’s DISH TV, Sling TV and Wireless groups, including the company’s customer support centres, its in-home installation workforce and the company’s IT department.
• EVP and Chief Technology Officer Vivek Khemka, who joins Carlson’s leadership team. Khemka’s DISH Technologies organisation supports DISH TV, Sling TV, and the wireless business. The organisation is responsible for technology strategy, product management, engineering, product development, supply chain management, broadcast operations and OTT delivery.

In addition to restructuring the current executive team, the company has appointed Walmart veteran and human resources executive David Scott to the role of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). Scott will serve DISH as an EVP and will join DISH’s management committee in February, reporting to Carlson.

Tim Messner, EVP and General Counsel; Steve Swain, senior vice president (SVP) and Chief Financial Officer; and Robert Toevs, VP, Corporate Communications, will report to Carlson.

In addition to Carlson, Ergen’s direct reports will include Tom Cullen, EVP, Corporate Development; Bernie Han, EVP, Strategic Planning; and Jeff Blum, SVP, Public Policy and Government Affairs.