The Walt Disney Company has picked James Pitaro, the chairman of its consumer products and interactive division, to be the next president of ESPN. He replaces John Skipper in what is perhaps the most powerful post in sports media.
“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,” Robert A. Iger, the chairman and chief executive of Disney, said Monday in a statement announcing Pitaro’s appointment.
ESPN, the country’s leading national sports network, has been without a permanent president since December, when Skipper, who had led the company since 2012, suddenly resigned, citing a substance addiction.