Walt Disney Co. taps James Pitaro to lead ESPN through digital transition

NEW YORK — Walt Disney Co. on Monday named long-time executive James Pitaro the new president of its ESPN sports network, tapping him to navigate a rapid consumer shift from traditional television to online viewing.

Pitaro, 48, joined Disney in 2010 and has run the consumer products and interactive group for the past two years. He replaces John Skipper, who resigned in December, citing substance addiction.

ESPN, Disney’s most important cable network, remains a major profit source for the media giant but has been losing pay TV subscribers to cord cutting. Disney is trying to capture digital viewers with an upcoming streaming service called ESPN+, a $5-a-month subscription that will offer sports programming that is not shown on ESPN’s TV channels.

“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,” Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger said in a statement.

He added that Pitaro’s appointment “comes at a time for great opportunity for ESPN.”

Pitaro also will serve as cochair of Disney Media Networks and will report directly to Iger.

“The appetite for quality sports content across platforms has never been greater, and I am looking forward to working with the talented ESPN team as we continue to redefine the future fan experience,” Pitaro said.

As head of consumer products, Pitaro ran the licensing of Disneyowned characters such as Mickey Mouse for toys, apparel and other merchandise. The consumer products business merged in 2015 with the interactive unit, which handles licensing for video games and oversees Disney Web sites.

Pitaro joined Disney from Yahoo, where he served as head of media, including the company’s sports media properties.

A new leader for the consumer products unit will be named later, Disney said.

Disney shares rose 0.4% to close at $103.41 on the New York Stock Exchange. —