Andy Wright has been named president of the Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association, taking over the direct-broadcast satellite trade group as its two largest members seek to merge.
A former aide to Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Va.), Wright was the SBCA's general counsel when he was named acting president in August, after the resignation of Charles Hewitt.
Wright's selection was announced Monday by the seven-person search committee appointed by the SBCA's board of directors.
"After careful review, the search committee has concluded that Andy Wright is best suited to provide new leadership for the SBCA, as the association works on behalf [of] the consumer satellite services industry and its customers," SBCA chairman Stan Kozlowski said in a prepared statement that did not include Wright's contract terms.
Wright, a lawyer who graduated from the University of Virginia in 1978, joined the SBCA in 1998. Prior to joining the trade group, Wright was Boucher's chief of staff and legislative counsel.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this great association," said Wright, 49, in a statement. "SBCA represents an industry that offers products and services that consumers want and that provide both superior service and real choice and competition."
Wright takes the SBCA helm less than two months after EchoStar Communications Corp. announced plans to merge with DirecTV Inc. to form the nation's largest pay-TV provider, with at least 14.9 million subscribers.
The DBS merger requires federal regulatory approval.
