• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, November 18, 2009

DirecTV has tapped the retiring head of PepsiCo.'s international operations as its new CEO. Michael White, also a vice chairman at the beverage company, will take over Jan. 1.

He replaces Chase Carey, who joined News Corp.

White said in September he would step down at Pepsi. He joins DirecTV's board with his new post. He has been with Pepsi for nearly 20 years, starting in planning at Frito-Lay.

DirecTV board chairman John Malone states that White has "a sustained track record of success, profitably growing businesses and a reputation for making the impossible possible."

Carey was considered a successful chief, helping expand DirecTV's customer base to more than 18 million in the U.S. and maintain its deal to offer the NFL Sunday Ticket exclusively.

Larry Hunter has been interim CEO since Carey departed for the No. 2 post at News.

In midday trading, DirecTV shares were trading up close to 1% in the $31 range.