Dish taps one of its own for Blockbuster leadership
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Dish Network announced that it has named a president for its newly-acquired subsidiary, Blockbuster. MichaelKelly, who most recently served as EVP of Dish Network's commercial services division as well as both the direct sales and media sales organizations and played a key role in Dish Network's purchase of Blockbuster. has been charged with returning the struggling retailer to profitability.
"Blockbuster can offer more movies to consumers in more ways than any other distributor," Kelly said. "I am excited to work with Blockbuster's dedicated employees and franchisees around the world to reinvigorate the iconic Blockbuster brand and allow consumers easier access to enjoy the more than 125,000 movie and game titles available from Blockbuster's neighborhood stores, by-mail service and digital library."
Kelly also served in other executive positions for Dish Network, including management of field service, customer care operations and strategic initiatives. His company, Kelly Broadcasting Systems, a leader in distributing international radio and television programming in the United States, was acquired by Dish Network in 2000.
Last month, Dish Networkwas selected as the winner of a bankruptcy court auction for the assets of Blockbuster with a bid valued at $320 million.The company reported that it completed the purchase of Blockbuster last week.