ENGLEWOOD, Colo – Former Bell ExpressVu and Bell Mobility chief Michael Neuman today was named president and chief operating officer of EchoStar Communications.
Neuman was president of Bell Mobility until earlier this year when he was forced out after the wireless unit endured a series of billing blunders which saw customers either over-billed or un-billed, among other issues.
Neuman fills a post with EchoStar that had been vacant for more than a year. Prior to his stint with Bell Mobility, he served as president of Bell ExpressVu, WorldLinx Telecommunications and Cerberus Canada.
As president of ExpressVu, Neuman had an ongoing relationship with EchoStar as the two satellite TV companies use the same hardware – with Bell purchasing it from the American company.
"I am excited about joining the company that has been such an innovator in the pay-TV industry," Neuman said in a press release, "and I look forward to the role I can play in advancing EchoStar’s push into some dynamic new products and services."
EchoStar also appointed board member Carl Vogel as vice chairman of the board today. He will focus his efforts on financial and strategic initiatives, returning to the fold as a full-time employee of the company, said the press release.
Vogel joined EchoStar’s board of directors in May. Most recently, he was president and CEO of Charter Communications, a Fortune 500 company.
Prior to joining Charter, Vogel held various senior executive positions with companies affiliated with Liberty Media Corporation and was responsible for portfolio investments in subscription television, content distribution, broadband, telecommunications and satellite sectors worldwide. He was also chairman and CEO of Primestar and CEO of Star Choice (in 1997, at start-up, before it was owned by Shaw Communications) until each company was sold or merged with other satellite operators.
Vogel, who was EchoStar’s president from 1994 to 1997, was a key member of the executive team that created DISH Network, added the release.
"EchoStar’s combination of energy and entrepreneurialism gives it a unique place in the media industry and I’m thrilled to be back," said Vogel. "EchoStar has built a significant business and an excellent relationship with its customers, providing a platform and a balance sheet to participate in a number of new opportunities for an expansion of its business that would add value to our customers and shareholders."
"We are fortunate Carl and Michael have joined the EchoStar team," said Ergen. "Their knowledge of the industry and managerial talent will strengthen our company and position it for continued success,” said EchoStar chairman and CEO Charles Ergen, in the statement.
