Charles W. Ergen (born May 1, 1953) is the co-founder and CEO of EchoStar Communication Corporation, the parent company of DISH Network.

Born in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Ergen is the son of a nuclear physicist. He graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville (BA) and Wake Forest University (MBA). He worked as a financial analyst for Frito Lay and as a professional blackjack player until he was kicked out of a casino for card counting.

In 1981, he founded EchoStar with his wife Candy and Jim DeFranco , targeting rural audiences for satellite dish service. He hosts a show called Charlie Chat on the DISH Network.

Ergen has a reputation of being a down to earth person and a ruthless businessman.