James Pitaro Appointed President of ESPN

James Pitaro has been named president of ESPN and co-chair of Disney Media Networks. Pitaro previously served as chair of Disney Consumer Projects and Interactive Media since 2016. He also was president of Disney Interactive.

“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,” said Robert Iger, chair and CEO of the Walt Disney Company. “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.”

Beyond Disney, Pitaro’s experience also includes serving as vice-president and head of Yahoo Media and vice-president of business affairs for Launch Media, Inc. He also practiced law at several New York firms.

Pitaro succeeds John Skipper, who resigned in December 2017 citing a substance addiction problem. George Bodenheimer, a former ESPN president and executive chair, had been serving as acting chair; he will stay on through the end of the year as a consultant.