Blockbuster Executives Assume New Positions

9 May, 2011 By: Erik Gruenwedel

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Former CEO Jim Keyes becomes advisor to Dish Network chairman Charlie Ergen

Blockbuster Inc.’s former executive team, including CEO Jim Keyes who resigned his position as chairman of the board May 6, has assumed new positions with Dish Network's subsidiary Blockbuster LLC.

Blockbuster Inc. formally terminated the executives April 26 following consummation of its $320 million acquisition by Dish Network, according to a regulatory filing.

Keyes, a former CEO of Southland Corp. (7-Eleven) who came out of retirement in 2007 to rejuvenate Blockbuster with a store-based multiplatform distribution platform, joined other departing executives Dennis McGill, EVP and CFO, and Kevin Lewis, SVP of digital media, in new or similar positions with Blockbuster LLC.

McGill became CFO of Blockbuster LLC, and Lewis is SVP and chief marketing officer, according to a Dish spokesperson. In addition, Greg Nichols stayed as SVP, human resources and Donald Budhu remained as SVP, financial planning and analysis.

Rod McDonald, SVP, secretary and general counsel, left Blockbuster and did not remain with the new company.

Dish previously named long-time executive Michael Kelly president of Blockbuster LLC. There is no new CEO.

In addition, Blockbuster Inc. (the legal entity Dish paid to acquire the Blockbuster brand and assets) May 3 promoted Bruce Lewis to CEO. Lewis had been SVP and principal accounting officer with Blockbuster since September 2004. He also was the company’s controller. Lewis joined Blockbuster in 2001 and performed numerous duties, including treasurer, VP of internal controls, international controller and tax director.

Finally, Blockbuster Inc. board members Edward Bleier, Kathleen Dore, Jules Haimovitz, Greg Meyer and Strauss Zelnick resigned their seats, effective April 26.

 

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