Disney fans, great news! Adam Smith has been named the Chief Product & Technology Officer for Disney Entertainment and ESPN, an exciting development announced by Disney Entertainment Co-Chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, along with ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro. This pivotal role will see Smith overseeing a global Product and Technology team that spans Disney’s entertainment and sports media businesses.
Smith will be at the helm of driving Disney’s technology strategy, development, and innovation across a range of platforms and networks. From streaming services to consumer digital touchpoints, and proprietary advertising technology to emerging tech, Smith will ensure Disney continues to be a leader in media technology. His strategic vision will guide a global team of engineers, product managers, designers, data scientists, and technical operators as he takes on this transformative role starting September 3.
In their joint statement, Bergman, Walden, and Pitaro expressed their enthusiasm: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Adam join the Disney team. His vision and ability to lead global teams in developing scalable and cutting-edge products and technologies will undoubtedly elevate storytelling, the very heart of Disney’s experience.”
Smith, fresh from his role at YouTube where he led the charge on Music and Premium subscriptions, brings with him over 20 years of experience at Google and YouTube. He played a pivotal role in developing major consumer-facing products and driving subscriber numbers to impressive heights. His extensive portfolio also includes leadership roles in Google Fiber, Google Books, and even regional oversight for Google APAC.
“Disney has a legendary portfolio of brands that bring joy to fans across the globe,” said Smith. “I’m eager to work with Alan, Dana, and Jimmy, along with their incredible teams, to continue building on Disney’s innovation, keeping storytelling at the core of every technological advancement.”
We’d love to hear your thoughts on Adam Smith’s appointment! Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to share this exciting news with fellow Disney fans.
Source: The Walt Disney Company
