Aaron LaBerge, the Chief Technology Officer of Disney Entertainment and ESPN, is leaving the company after more than 20 years.
LaBerge stated in an internal memo to staff that his decision to leave was due to family needs. He will work with others to ensure a smooth transition until the end of June, expressing confidence in the team and leadership to continue progress without interruption.
In June, the executive will leave Disney to become the CTO at PENN Entertainment, which operates ESPN’s online sportsbook. PENN Entertainment, which runs ESPN’s online sportsbook, will be LaBerge's new employer as he leaves Disney.
LaBerge finds his new role at PENN Entertainment exciting as it allows him to contribute to the company's success while being with his family.
Chris Lawson, Disney’s executive vice president of content operations, will temporarily take over LaBerge’s role until a permanent replacement is announced.
Disney Entertainment co-chairs Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, along with ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro, expressed gratitude to LaBerge for his contributions and leadership at Disney, and conveyed confidence in Chris Lawson to maintain momentum during the transition.
LaBerge joins a list of veteran executives who have left in recent years, including former Walt Disney Pictures president Sean Bailey, former Disney chief financial officer Christine McCarthy, former CEO Bob Chapek, former head of streaming Kevin Mayer, former Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn, former Disney general counsel Alan Braverman, and former communications head Zenia Mucha.
In his previous role, LaBerge was responsible for the technology and product development of Disney's media divisions. Before that, he served as ESPN’s chief technology officer, contributing to the growth of its digital media products and services, and played a key role in the design, development, and engineering of ESPN’s facilities and infrastructure.
Before joining Disney, LaBerge was the co-founder and CEO of Fanzter, Inc., where he oversaw day-to-day operations and led the development and launch of various consumer-focused internet and mobile products, as well as innovative social and commerce technologies.
“I’m happy to be part of another skilled team at PENN Interactive and guide our technology strategy,” LaBerge said. “PENN Entertainment is leading the way in the rapidly changing gaming and sports media industry. I intend to apply my knowledge from Disney and ESPN to help establish ESPN BET as a crucial part of the sports fan experience. Together, we will challenge boundaries and redefine how fans engage with sports and gaming.”
More to come…
