DirecTV executive VP, entertainment Eric Shanks is leaving to become president of Fox Sports, reporting 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.
“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.
Shanks joined DirecTV in February 2004 as senior vice president of Advanced Services and Content. During his tenure at DirecTV Shanks oversaw original entertainment, interactive programming and advertising sales. He was responsible for the creation of NFL Red Zone, Red Zone Channel, the launch of DirecTV on Demand, The 101 Network, NASCAR HotPass, 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.