DirecTV Inc. named John Shelton senior vice president of sales and distribution, the company announced May 30. His responsibilities include management of DirecTV distribution network and the development of sales programs for DirecTV’s independent dealer network, consumer electronics retailers, the Commercial and Multiple Dwelling Unit segments as well as special markets.

Shelton previously worked at Nextel Communications for 13 years, holding positions as North Region vice president, senior vice president of sales and distribution, and president of the Midwestern and Western regions. Shelton also served as president of Powerfone Corp., a company that provided specialized mobile radio services.