Aaron LaBerge, president and CTO of Disney Entertainment and ESPN, will exit the role this summer, after which he will join casino and sports-betting operator Penn Entertainment as chief technology officer.
In a note to Disney staff, LaBerge said he made a personal decision to leave the company to devote more time to his family as they go through a challenging period. At Disney, LaBerge has been responsible for leading all technology and product development in support of Disney’s two media divisions — Disney Entertainment and ESPN. He has helped set the vision and strategic leadership for how the company uses technology to drive its business.
After he leaves Disney in June, he will start as Penn’s CTO effective July 1, 2024, and report directly to Penn CEO and president Jay Snowden. Last summer, Penn entered into a major deal with ESPN to rebrand the online sports-betting business from Barstool Sportsbook to ESPN Bet.
“I’ll be joining the extended family at Penn Entertainment, working with Disney and ESPN on ESPN BET,” LaBerge wrote in the memo. “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 said a search is underway for a replacement for LaBerge. As part of the transition plan, Chris Lawson, currently executive VP, content operations, Disney Entertainment and ESPN — one of LaBerge’s direct reports — will work alongside LaBerge over the coming months and take on interim leadership as needed upon LaBerge’s departure.
Read the memo from LaBerge:
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
Source Agencies
