DirecTV Names White New President/CEO

By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 11/19/2009

El Segundo, Calif. - Former PepsiCo vice chairman and PepsiCo International CEO Michael White has been named the new president and CEO of DirecTV.

White, who announced in September that he would be retiring later this year from his current positions at PepsiCo and PepsiCo International, will assume his new role at DirecTV beginning Jan. 1, 2010.

He has also joined the satellite-TV provider's board of directors.

"After a very thorough search, we have found an exceptional leader with a sustained track record of success, profitably growing businesses and a reputation for making the impossible possible," stated John Malone, DirecTV chairman. "Mike also brings the highest degree of leadership, innovation and passion to the table - all qualities that will help drive DirecTV's performance in the coming years."

White replaces Larry Hunter, who served as DirecTV's interim CEO following the resignation of Chase Carey.

White joined PepsiCo in 1990 as planning VP for Frito-Lay North America (FLNA). He advanced through a number of senior positions there, including chief financial officer of FLNA, executive VP and chief financial officer of Frito-Lay International, chief financial officer of Pepsi-Cola Co. worldwide and chief financial officer of PepsiCo.

During that time he led a transformation of PepsiCo's international business and has helped engineer numerous acquisitions, including the pending agreements to acquire the company's two largest bottlers, the Pepsi Bottling Group and PepsiAmericas.

Prior to PepsiCo, White held executive positions at Avon Products, Bain & Company and Arthur Andersen & Co.

"This is an exciting time to be taking the reins at DirecTV," White said in a statement.  "It's a great company with the best television service and a strong brand, offering plenty of opportunities and challenges, and I can't wait to meet both head on. I look forward to working with the talented management team and employees as we continue to grow the business, delight the customer and further distance DirecTV's leadership position."

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