DirecTV Latin America, a Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based subsidiary of Hughes Electronics [NYSE: GMH],has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The filing applies only to DirecTV Latin America and not its operating companies in Latin America and the Caribbean.

In conjunction with the bankruptcy filing, Kevin McGrath announced he is stepping down as chairman of DirecTV Latin America. Eddy Hartenstein, senior vice president at parent company Hughes, will take over as chairman. In addition, Larry N. Chapman has been named president and chief operating officer of DirecTV Latin America. Chapman, who has been with Hughes since 1980, will report to Hartenstein.

In stepping down, McGrath said, “While I am extremely proud of all that the DirecTV Latin America team has accomplished and I am confident that the company will successfully emerge from its restructuring, I feel it is now time for me to move on. Therefore, I have elected to retire and spend more time with my family and pursue other goals.”