Jimmy Pitaro

Jimmy Pitaro is an American media executive who serves as the chairman of ESPN, a position he has held since 2018. He previously served as president of ESPN and co-chair of Disney Media Networks, overseeing the network's programming, production, and digital operations. Pitaro's tenure has been marked by a focus on digital transformation, major rights acquisitions, and navigating the evolving sports media landscape.

Early life and education

Jimmy Pitaro was born on October 23, 1969, on Long Island in New York. He attended Cornell University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics. Following his undergraduate studies, Pitaro pursued a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Miami School of Law. His educational background in both business and law provided a foundation for his subsequent career in corporate strategy and media operations.

Career at ESPN

Pitaro joined The Walt Disney Company in 2010 after it acquired Playdom, a social gaming company where he served as president. At Disney Interactive, he held leadership roles, including president, where he was credited with turning the division to profitability. In 2016, he was appointed president of Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media, overseeing licensing, publishing, and digital games. His success in these digital and consumer-focused roles led to his appointment as president of ESPN in 2018, reporting directly to Robert Iger and later Bob Chapek.

Leadership at ESPN

As president and later chairman of ESPN, Pitaro has spearheaded significant strategic initiatives. He secured major long-term media rights extensions with leagues including the National Football League, National Basketball Association, and Major League Baseball. Pitaro oversaw the launch of ESPN+, the network's direct-to-consumer streaming service, and has been integral to the development of the upcoming ESPN flagship streaming service in partnership with Fox Corporation and Warner Bros. Discovery. Under his leadership, ESPN renewed high-profile talent like Stephen A. Smith and expanded production of original documentaries through ESPN Films and the 30 for 30 series. He has also navigated challenges such as cord-cutting and negotiations with major distributors like Charter Communications.

Other professional roles

Prior to his tenure at The Walt Disney Company, Pitaro held various positions in the technology and media sectors. He worked at Yahoo! for over a decade, ultimately serving as senior vice president in charge of Yahoo! Media, which included properties like Yahoo! Sports, Yahoo! Finance, and Yahoo! News. Earlier in his career, he practiced corporate law at the firm Dewey Ballantine in New York City. Pitaro serves on the board of directors for ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global) and is a member of the executive board of the Jimmy V Foundation for cancer research.

Personal life

Jimmy Pitaro is married to Michele Pitaro, and the couple has three children. They maintain a relatively private life, residing in Connecticut. An avid sports fan, Pitaro is known to support New York teams like the New York Yankees and New York Giants. He is actively involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly through his work with the Jimmy V Foundation and other charitable organizations focused on health and education.

Category:1969 births Category:American media executives Category:ESPN people Category:Disney executives Category:Living people Category:Cornell University alumni Category:University of Miami School of Law alumni