Charlie Ergen to Step Down as Dish CEO
Charlie Ergen is stepping down as Dish CEO, relinquishing the company’s top executive position to president and chief operating officer Erik Carlson. Ergen will focus his efforts on the wireless business going forward, per Dish.
“With more than 20 years’ experience at Dish, Erik brings a complete understanding of the business opportunities both Dish TV and Sling TV possess,” Ergen said on Tuesday morning. “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.”
Executive vice president John Swieringa will succeed Carlson in the company’s COO role. Additionally, Brian Neylon will serve as executive vice president and group president of Dish TV, and Warren Schlichting will serve as EVP and group president of Sling TV. EVP and chief technology officer Vivek Khemka also joins Carlson’s leadership team.
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In addition to restructuring the current executive group, Dish has appointed Walmart veteran David Scott to the role of chief human resources officer. He joins in February.
Tim Messner, EVP and general counsel; Steve Swain, SVP and chief financial officer; and Robert Toevs, VP, Corporate Communications, will report to Carlson.
Carlson will actually continue to report to Ergen. Ergen’s direct reports also include Tom Cullen, EVP, Corporate Development; Bernie Han, EVP, Strategic Planning; and Jeff Blum, SVP, Public Policy and Government Affairs.
