Disney and ESPN President and Chief Technology Officer Aaron LaBerge is leaving The Walt Disney Company after working with them cumulatively for two decades. He will be moving to casino and sports-betting operator PENN Entertainment to become the Chief Technology Officer there. LaBerge said that the move comes as he needs more time to spend with his family.
LaBerge has been in charge of all technology and product development for Disney’s two media divisions, Disney Entertainment and ESPN. This includes the teams that both build and run Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. He has been a part of setting both vision and strategy for how technology is used to drive Disney’s businesses. He currently reports to Disney Entertainment co-chairs Dana Walden and Alan Bergman along with ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro. In his new role, he will report directly to PENN CEO and president Jay Snowden.
In his new role at PENN, LaBerge will continue to be working with Disney as PENN Entertainment partnered with ESPN last summer and is rebranding its online sports-betting business from Barstool Sportsbook to ESPN Bet. LaBerge shared that in his new role, “I’ll get to continue to contribute to our company’s success from a new vantage point, while also being home for my family.”
Chris Lawson, the executive VP of content operations for Disney Entertainment and ESPN, will be stepping into LaBerge’s role while a permanent replacement is sought by Disney. “Chris Lawson will be working closely with me in the coming months, stepping into an interim leadership role upon my departure until a permanent leader is in place. Many of you know Chris as an exceptional technology leader with a deep understanding of our operations and businesses. He has been instrumental in our technology transformation and is a trusted partner to our business leaders,” LaBerge shared.
The full memo from LaBerge can be found here:
Subject: Leadership News
Team,
I wanted to share some personal news: this summer, after more than 20 incredible years, I’ve decided to leave The Walt Disney Company.
This was a personal decision, driven by the needs of my family. I’m working with Alan, Dana, and Jimmy to plan a smooth transition, and I’ll be here until the end of June to help ensure a seamless handoff that positions everyone for continued success.
I’ve never been more confident in our team and leadership. Together, we’ll navigate this change without missing a beat, continuing to build on the significant progress we’ve made over the past 15 months.
Chris Lawson will be working closely with me in the coming months, stepping into an interim leadership role upon my departure until a permanent leader is in place. Many of you know Chris as an exceptional technology leader with a deep understanding of our operations and businesses. He has been instrumental in our technology transformation and is a trusted partner to our business leaders.
My journey with Disney doesn’t end here. I’ll be joining the extended family at PENN Entertainment, working with Disney and ESPN on ESPN BET. This new role is exciting because I’ll get to continue to contribute to our company’s success from a new vantage point, while also being home for my family.
Disney is more than just a company to me; it’s been my home, my inspiration, and a part of the most rewarding chapters of my life, both personally and professionally. The true magic of Disney isn’t just in our stories or our technology but in each of you. Your passion, creativity, and brilliance have made my journey unforgettable.
Over the coming weeks, we will share more details about this transition and the way forward. Until then, let’s stay focused on the future and continue to build, innovate, and deliver.
All my best,
Aaron
