Sling TV CEO Slides Into Pandora’s Top Chair

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The man responsible for building DISH Network’s Sling TV “over-the-top” offering has been selected to succeed Pandora‘s former CEO and founder, Tim Westergren.


Set to take the helm of Oakland, Calif.-based Pandora is Roger Lynch. He will join the company as President/CEO and serve as a member of its board of directors, effective Sept. 18.

Naveen Chopra, who has served as Pandora’s interim CEO since June 2017, will continue in his role as CFO.

Pandora’s current chairman, Roger Faxon, commented on Lynch on behalf of the Pandora board. He said, “After a thorough and thoughtful search process, we are thrilled to have Roger join us as CEO and a member of our board. Roger brings a stellar leadership reputation, a wealth of consumer experience, and a lifelong passion for music to Pandora – all of which are critical ingredients in the continued evolution of our company. We are absolutely confident that Roger is the right leader for Pandora who can create value for shareholders by marrying Pandora’s numerous assets with the opportunities ahead.”

Lynch is the founding CEO of Sling TV, and led its creation, launch and growth. Before that, from October 2009-July 2012, Lynch served as EVP/Advanced Technologies for DISH Network and EchoStar Corp.

Lynch has also been a technology investment banker with Morgan Stanley in New York, Silicon Valley, and London, a role he held from 1994-1999.

Lynch began his career as a member of the physics technical staff at Hughes Aircraft Company, in 1985.

“I cannot imagine a more important and exciting time to join Pandora,” said Lynch. “With a massive, diverse and highly engaged audience, a market-leading digital advertising business, a best-in-class product portfolio and an extremely passionate and talented group of people, Pandora is well-positioned to capture an even greater market opportunity. As a lifelong musician and exuberant music fan, this is the perfect opportunity to combine my industry experience with my love for music. I look forward to working with this great team, having a lot of fun, and leading Pandora through its next exciting phase.”

With Lynch’s departure, DISH announced that its President/COO, Erik Carlson, will absorb Lynch’s former duties, effective Aug. 31.

“I want to thank Roger for his leadership over the past eight years, creating and defining the country’s first live OTT service,” DISH Chairman/CEO Charlie Ergen said. “Roger built a fantastic team that will take Sling TV into the bright future ahead, and I wish Roger the best in his new endeavour.”

In related news, Michael Lynton has joined the Pandora Board. He is currently the Chairman of Snap Inc., a position he has held since 2016 after joining Snap Inc.’s board in 2013.

Lynton served as CEO of Sony Entertainment from 2012 until February 2017, and as Chairman/CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment for more than 13 years.