James Pitaro appointed president of ESPN and Co-Chair of Disney Media Networks

James Pitaro has been appointed president of ESPN and co-Chair of Disney Media Networks. He was previously chairman of Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media.

“Pitaro is a talented and dedicated leader, with a correct strategic vision and a ruthless drive and passion for sports, something required to lead the ESPN team at this incredibly dynamic moment. His vast experience and sharp perspective will be invaluable to take ESPN to the future,” said Robert Iger, Chairman, and CEO, The Walt Disney Company, to whom Pitaro will report to.

“As a sports enthusiast my whole life, I feel honored to join the ESPN team at a crucial moment in their history. Appetite for quality sports content on every platform has never been so big and I am anxious to work on the talented ESPN team as we continue redefining the experience of future fans” added Pitaro.

This designation arrives at a moment of great opportunity for ESPN since it prepares the launch of its new direct-to-consumer subscription service. ESPN + will offer thousands of sports events live, original content, and an on-demand programming library.

Before entering Disney, Pitaro was VP at Yahoo Media and VP of Business Matters at Launch Media and worked as a lawyer in different New York studios.