The Disney magic continues with a fresh wave of innovation as the company appoints Adam Smith, a former YouTube executive, as the new Chief Product & Technology Officer for Disney Entertainment and ESPN. His new role, announced by Disney Entertainment Co-Chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden along with ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro, promises to drive Disney’s technological advancements forward with zest and excitement.
Smith will take the helm of a global Product and Technology team, a role that involves shaping Disney’s strategy for streaming platforms, digital interfaces, and emerging tech. His oversight will cover a diverse group of professionals from engineers and product managers to designers and data scientists—each integral to Disney’s vast entertainment and sports media divisions.
Smith’s journey to Disney is marked by a stellar career at Google and YouTube, where he served as Vice President of Product Management. His leadership in expanding YouTube’s Music and Premium services propelled the subscriber count to an impressive 100 million. With more than 20 years at Google, Smith’s expertise spans numerous high-impact projects, including Google Fiber, Google Books, and Google Scholar. His background offers a treasure trove of experience Disney is keen to leverage.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Smith stated, “Disney has built an unmatched portfolio of brands that brings joy to all ages, supported by a culture of creativity and innovation.” He added that he looks forward to collaborating with Disney’s top-tier teams to create compelling consumer experiences, amplifying engagement and discovery.
Smith’s academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MBA from Stanford University. With an eye toward the future, his appointment is part of Disney’s broader mission to maintain its position as a frontrunner in media and technology.
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Source: WDWMAGIC Staff
