Ray Hopkins Leaves YES Network, Becomes CBS Corp. President, Television Networks Distribution

YES Network COO Ray Hopkins is joining the CBS Corporation in the ensuing weeks as President, Television Networks Distribution, CBS Corporation.

Hopkins

Since joining the YES Network as COO in December 2004, reporting to YES President & CEO Tracy Dolgin, Hopkins has been responsible for all aspects of the company’s cable, satellite and telco distribution strategy, and has spearheaded all affiliate negotiations.   His efforts have been a major reason for the tremendous success of YES since his arrival.  News Corp. purchased 49% of YES in November 2012.

Hopkins has also overseen the day-to-day operations of the legal, finance, business development, new media, marketing, human resources and communications departments since coming to YES, the most-watched regional sports network in the country the past 10 years.

Hopkins’ departure coincides with minority owner News Corp.’s taking over the lead role in YES’ future affiliate distribution negotiations in coordination with YES senior management.

“I have worked with Ray for almost two decades, first at FOX and then at YES, and we have enjoyed an extremely successful partnership over the years,” said Dolgin.  “He is one of a kind, a tremendous executive and colleague.  He has left his indelible mark on YES, and his impact on the company cannot be over-stated.  Ray has helped elevate YES to unprecedented heights, to the point where it is one of the most dynamic media companies in the nation.”

“I am fortunate to have worked for so long with Tracy, one of the savviest and most visionary executives in the business who also happens to be a long-time friend,” said Hopkins.  “I have also benefitted from working with YES’ first-rate senior management team, and from having as a cornerstone of the network the New York Yankees, the best-known sports team in the world. It has been a very fulfilling experience at YES, both professionally and personally.  While I will undoubtedly miss working with all my YES colleagues, I have accomplished everything that I set out to do upon arriving here eight and a half years ago.  I am excited about the extraordinary opportunity awaiting me at CBS.”