John Pleasants and James Pitaro named Co-Presidents of Disney Interactive Media Group
As expected Disney CEO Bob Iger named John Pleasants to the post of president of the Disney Interactive Media Group. A bit of a surprise, Iger also named James Pitaro Co-president. Pleasants joined Disney when his company Playdom was acquired a few months ago. Pitaro joins Disney from Yahoo! Inc. where he was Vice President and Head of Media. (This is where I make some snarky joke about Yahoo! Inc.) This move effectively splits the unit where it is hoped focus can grow the division.
“Our rapidly growing Disney digital businesses will benefit greatly from the deep experience and distinct leadership skills shown by John and Jimmy,” Iger said. “John has shown incredible agility and skill in helping companies achieve success in the ever-shifting digital games business, while Jimmy has vast knowledge of the online world and has been hugely successful at creating and building audiences around branded online content.”
“Both have outstanding track records in anticipating trends and delivering to consumers creative, innovative and successful experiences and products,” Iger added. “As Co-Presidents, I’m confident they will make Disney’s digital content and businesses even more robust and successful.”
Best wishes to the two new leaders of a very important division at Disney. Sometimes fresh leadership is just what’s needed.
The full Press Release is below the cut:
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