Eric Shanks Departs DIRECTV to Become President of FOX Sports
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., May 26, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- DIRECTV announced today that Eric Shanks, executive vice president of Entertainment, will depart the Company in June to take a new position as president of FOX Sports. In his new role, Shanks will report to David Hill, chairman and CEO FOX Sports Media Group.
"Anyone who knows Eric is keenly aware of his deep passion for sports, so when this opportunity came up for him a while back, we worked with our friends at News Corporation and FOX Sports to ensure the transition for both companies was seamless," said Mike White, president and CEO of DIRECTV. "His accomplishments here have left an immensely positive impact on the organization that will resonate for many years to come. We wish him the very best in his new position."
"It's been an incredibly rewarding experience working for DIRECTV, not only contributing to our tremendous growth, but also helping to innovate many of the new products and services that provide our customers with hands-down the best video experience available," said Shanks. "I'm definitely going to miss working with all the great and talented people here at the Company and will enjoy watching their continued success."
Shanks joined DIRECTV in February 2004 as senior vice president of Advanced Services and Content and later was promoted to executive vice president of Entertainment. During his tenure at DIRECTV Shanks oversaw DIRECTV's original entertainment, interactive programming and advertising sales. He was responsible for the creation of NFL RED ZONE CHANNEL(R), the launch of DIRECTV on DEMAND, The 101(R) Network, NASCAR HOTPASS(TM), and in 2006 he formed the Company's first in-house advertising sales team. More recently he took on new responsibilities by leading the DIRECTV Sports Networks business unit comprised of regional sports networks in Seattle, Denver and Pittsburgh.
Succession plans will be announced in the coming weeks.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., May 26, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- DIRECTV announced today that Eric Shanks, executive vice president of Entertainment, will depart the Company in June to take a new position as president of FOX Sports. In his new role, Shanks will report to David Hill, chairman and CEO FOX Sports Media Group.
"Anyone who knows Eric is keenly aware of his deep passion for sports, so when this opportunity came up for him a while back, we worked with our friends at News Corporation and FOX Sports to ensure the transition for both companies was seamless," said Mike White, president and CEO of DIRECTV. "His accomplishments here have left an immensely positive impact on the organization that will resonate for many years to come. We wish him the very best in his new position."
"It's been an incredibly rewarding experience working for DIRECTV, not only contributing to our tremendous growth, but also helping to innovate many of the new products and services that provide our customers with hands-down the best video experience available," said Shanks. "I'm definitely going to miss working with all the great and talented people here at the Company and will enjoy watching their continued success."
Shanks joined DIRECTV in February 2004 as senior vice president of Advanced Services and Content and later was promoted to executive vice president of Entertainment. During his tenure at DIRECTV Shanks oversaw DIRECTV's original entertainment, interactive programming and advertising sales. He was responsible for the creation of NFL RED ZONE CHANNEL(R), the launch of DIRECTV on DEMAND, The 101(R) Network, NASCAR HOTPASS(TM), and in 2006 he formed the Company's first in-house advertising sales team. More recently he took on new responsibilities by leading the DIRECTV Sports Networks business unit comprised of regional sports networks in Seattle, Denver and Pittsburgh.
Succession plans will be announced in the coming weeks.
