The promotion of James Frownfelter to the post of chief operating officer at PanAmSat Corp. [SPOT] is aimed at allowing CEO Joseph Wright to focus on growing the company’s revenues.

Shifting of operational duties to Frownfelter will free Wright to pursue acquisition opportunities, the company said. Frownfelter assumed his new responsibilities Jan. 1, while retaining his position as PanAmSat’s chief technology officer.

In the latter role, Frownfelter manages PanAmSat’s technology programs, including engineering, fleet development, network operations, digital video services, space systems and product development. The new duties give Frownfelter oversight of the company’s overall operations.