Dave Mayo. Photo: DISH

DISH Network has hired a former T-Mobile executive to oversee the company’s wireless buildout strategy. The company announced Monday that Dave Mayo is now executive vice president of Network Development and responsible for deploying DISH’s plans for the nation’s first standalone 5G network. Mayo was senior vice president at T-Mobile, where he led the company’s Internet of Things (IoT) business and founded the company’s fixed wireless business. He now reports directly to DISH Co-Founder and Chairman Charlie Ergen.

Also on Monday, DISH announced other staff changes. Jeff Blum has been promoted to executive vice president of External and Legislative Affairs, and John Swieringa has been named group resident of Retail Wireless, and will retain his duties as COO. In addition, Michael Schwimmer has been named group president of Sling TV, following the departure of Warren Schlichting, after two quarters in a row of subscriber decline for the streaming service. 

The changes to DISH’s executive team come as DISH is set to acquire Sprint’s prepaid assets, including Boost Mobile, following the T-Mobile and Sprint merger which closed in April. DISH has committed to the FCC to deploy a facilities-based 5G broadband network capable of serving 70% of the U.S. population by June 2023.