ESPN has named Disney exec James Pitaro as its new president

Walt Disney Company

James Pitaro.

• ESPN has named Disney executive James Pitaro as its new president.
• Pitaro had been the chairman of Disney consumer products and interactive media since 2016.

ESPN has named Disney executive James Pitaro as its new president, the company announced Monday.

Pitaro had been a leading candidate for the job since John Skipper left the position in December, citing substance abuse issues, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Pitaro has also been named the cochair of Disney Media Network and will report directly to Disney CEO Bob Iger, Disney said in a release.

Pitaro had been the chairman of Disney consumer products and interactive media since 2016. He was formerly a vice president and head of Yahoo! Media.

"Jimmy is a talented and dedicated leader with the right strategic vision, relentless drive and passion for sports required to lead the stellar ESPN team at this incredibly dynamic time," Iger said in a statement. "Jimmy forged his career at the intersection of technology, sports and media, and his vast experience and keen perspective will be invaluable in taking ESPN into the future."

In a release, ESPN touted Pitaro's hiring as coming at "a time of great opportunity" for the company, as ESPN is prepping the launch of its new direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service, ESPN+.

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