Disney Technology Chief Departs -- Update

Dow Jones04-23

By Jessica Toonkel

Aaron LaBerge, a top Disney technology executive involved in major projects from ESPN's streaming efforts to Hulu's integration with Disney+ and a new sports-betting venture, is leaving the company and will be joining betting company Penn Entertainment.

Penn said Monday it named LaBerge as its new chief technology officer, effective July 1.

LaBerge's departure comes amid several high-stakes technological initiatives within Disney as it works to build a streaming-centric future. He has played a key role in building the technological backbone of the entertainment giant's streaming strategy, including work on a direct-to-consumer version of its flagship ESPN sports network.

LaBerge has also worked with Penn on the companies' joint new online sportsbook, ESPN Bet. The executive said in a statement that he will continue to work on that effort in his new role.

A search for his successor is already under way and Chris Lawson, executive vice president of content operations for Disney Entertainment and ESPN, will take over his duties in the meantime, according to an internal memo from LaBerge viewed by The Wall Street Journal. LaBerge is expected to remain at Disney through June to help with the transition.

LaBerge has held a variety of roles at Disney and ESPN over two stints spanning nearly two decades. He also was co-founder and CEO of Fanzter, a software company that developed mobile applications and web products, according to his LinkedIn profile. LaBerge wrote in the memo that he is leaving the company after more than 20 years for personal reasons. He will stay on at Disney through June.

Disney, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery are in the process of building from scratch a new sports-streaming offering. Separately, Disney rolled out a new Hulu tile earlier this year within its Disney+ streaming service and has said it is working on an effort to limit password sharing as it tries to draw in new customers.

--Robbie Whelan contributed to this article.

Write to Jessica Toonkel at jessica.toonkel@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 22, 2024 14:35 ET (18:35 GMT)

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Disney Technology Chief Departs -- Update

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