DirecTV Sports Networks has hired David Peart as general manager of its Root Sports Southwest network.
Peart, an executive with a quarter century of experience in the sports and entertainment industries, most recently with the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins, will have day-to-day oversight for the regional sports network that is home to the NBA's Rockets and MLB's Astros.
When he begins his new job on March 2, Peart will report to DirecTV Sports Networks president Patrick Crumb,
Root Sports Southwest replaced CSN Houston in November through a bankruptcy transaction. The RSN, which counts both DirecTV and AT&T U-verse as owners and is carried by the lhe would-be merger partners, has registered a significant ratings rise in the Houston DMA over the 2013-14 NBA season. Not only are the Rockers performing well on the court, the expanded distribution footprint has helped the service record a 32% increase to a 1.56 household rating in the Houston area through the All-Star break.
Peart comes to the network with some roots in the Lone Star State, spending nine years with NFL, MLB and NHL teams in Texas. He previously worked at the Texas Rangers/Dallas Stars organization as assistant vice presidents sponsorship and sales and then moved to the NNFL Houston Texans in the role of vice president, business development. While with the Texans he played a leadership role in launching the expansion franchise and associated business initiatives. Most recently he served as senior vice president for the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he was responsible for all local revenue and business development.
“We are happy to have David lead the Root Sports Southwest team,” said Crumb. “His extensive experience, particularly with the region’s advertising sales community, and his existing relationships with team partners, will be a huge asset. His strong relationships in Houston, as well as his collaborative leadership approach, make him an excellent fit for this position.”
“I spent many wonderful years with teams in the Southwest market, and my heart is still in Texas, so I’m excited about returning to Houston,” said Peart. “I also look forward to working with the exceptional team of professionals at ROOT SPORTS Southwest to maximize the great potential of this new network.”
