Disney’s new tech leader: Adam Smith steps in as CTO for Disney Entertainment and ESPN
A new chapter in Disney’s tech journey
Disney has announced the appointment of Adam Smith as the new Chief Product and Technology Officer for Disney Entertainment and ESPN. Smith, a seasoned veteran from Google and YouTube, will officially begin his role on September 3rd. This move follows the departure of Aaron LaBerge, who transitioned to a leadership role at Penn Entertainment, a company that recently partnered with ESPN to rebrand its sports betting business.
A strategic tech visionary
Smith’s new role will have him reporting directly to Disney Entertainment co-chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, as well as ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro. His responsibilities will encompass driving technology strategy, development, deployment, and innovation across Disney’s vast media landscape. This includes overseeing streaming platforms, networks, digital offerings for ABC, ABC News, Disney, ESPN, Marvel, Nat Geo, and more. Additionally, Smith will manage advertising technology, visual and production technologies, and emerging tech initiatives.
A rich background in tech leadership
Before joining Disney, Smith was the Vice President of Product Management at YouTube, where he led the Music and Premium divisions, as well as Subscriptions and Commerce since 2016. His tenure at Google and YouTube spanned over two decades, during which he held various executive roles across multiple departments. Prior to his time at Google, Smith worked at Random House/Bertelsmann.
A bold vision for Disney’s future
In a joint statement, Bergman, Walden, and Pitaro expressed their excitement about Smith’s appointment: “We could not be more thrilled to have Adam join the Disney team in this pivotal role. We’ve been aggressive in advancing our technological capabilities to better support our world-class media, streaming, and advertising businesses. Adam brings a bold, consumer-focused vision for the future and a proven ability to effectively lead global teams in implementing ambitious, scalable, and flexible products and technology that will continue to elevate storytelling as the center of the Disney experience.”
Smith himself shared his enthusiasm: “Disney has built and nurtured an unparalleled portfolio of brands bringing joy and delight to fans of all ages, thanks to a culture of creativity that embraces innovation. I believe Disney is uniquely positioned to thrive in the next evolution of media and has made significant progress in a very short time while keeping storytelling front and center. I look forward to working closely with Alan, Dana, and Jimmy and their top-notch teams and am excited to bring my expertise in utilizing technology to build compelling consumer experiences that will drive engagement and discovery among fans, families, and friends.”
The impact on Disney’s media landscape
Smith’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Disney, as the company continues to expand its digital and streaming services. With platforms like Disney+ and ESPN+ gaining significant traction, Smith’s expertise in product management and technology will be instrumental in driving further growth and innovation. His experience at YouTube, particularly in the Music and Premium divisions, aligns well with Disney’s goals of enhancing user experience and engagement across its digital platforms.
A closer look at Disney’s digital offerings
Disney’s digital ecosystem is vast and diverse, encompassing a wide range of content and services. From the family-friendly offerings on Disney+ to the sports-centric content on ESPN+, the company has something for everyone. Smith’s role will involve ensuring that these platforms continue to evolve and meet the needs of their diverse audiences.
For those interested in exploring Disney’s digital offerings, here are some links to trailers and information pages for popular content:
The future of storytelling at Disney
As Disney continues to push the boundaries of storytelling through technology, Smith’s leadership will be crucial in shaping the future of the company’s media landscape. His consumer-focused vision and proven track record in leading global teams will help Disney maintain its position as a leader in the entertainment industry.
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, this means more innovative and engaging content to look forward to. Whether it’s the latest Marvel series or a new documentary from Nat Geo, Disney’s commitment to storytelling excellence remains unwavering.
Final thoughts
Adam Smith’s appointment as Chief Product and Technology Officer marks an exciting new chapter for Disney Entertainment and ESPN. With his extensive experience and visionary approach, Smith is well-positioned to lead Disney into the next era of digital innovation and storytelling. As fans and consumers, we can look forward to a future filled with even more captivating and immersive experiences from one of the world’s most beloved entertainment companies.