Dish Network Chairman Charlie Ergen is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer in order to spend more time on the company's emergering wireless business, a company press release said. He will be replaced by Chief Operating Officer Erik Carlson.
"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 in the press release. "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's resignation comes as shares of Dish have fallen nearly 11% this year as the company continues to bleed pay-TV subscribers. In its third quarter earnings release, the company said its number of pay-TV subscribers fell to 13.203 million, down from 13.643 million a year ago.
Dish Network shares are higher by 2.54% at $51.60 apiece following the news.
