ESPN Announces Executive Structure under New President John Skipper

January 25, 2012

ESPN’s executive structure was unveiled today by President John Skipper, who assumed his current role on January 1. The structure emphasizes leadership continuity while fostering future growth, and includes a combination of expanded responsibilities for some individuals and new roles for others.   

The new structure: 

• The following ESPN executives will remain in their current roles and will report to Skipper: Sean Bratches (EVP Sales and Marketing), Christine Driessen (EVP and CFO), Ed Durso (EVP Administration), Chuck Pagano (EVP Technology and CTO), Paul Richardson (SVP Human Resources), John Walsh (EVP and Executive Editor) and Russell Wolff (EVP and Managing Director International). 
• ESPN Senior Vice President and General Manager, Digital and Print Media, John Kosner has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Digital and Print Media. He will continue to oversee the company’s digital strategy and products, an important area for present and future growth, and will continue to report to Skipper. 
• Two long-time ESPN leaders – Executive Vice President, Programming and Acquisitions, John Wildhack and Executive Vice President, Production, Norby Williamson will switch roles. Each will assume the other’s responsibilities in leading an important ESPN content area going forward. They will continue to work closely together and will collaborate to effect a smooth transition.  They will continue to report to Skipper. 
• Marie Donoghue, who has been ESPN Senior Vice President, Business Affairs and Business Development, will take on the new role of Senior Vice President, Global Strategy, Business Development and Business Affairs. She will be responsible for working across all business units worldwide to evaluate new opportunities, new lines of business and more.  She will continue to report to Skipper. 

“I’m honored to lead this company surrounded by such a talented team,” Skipper said. “Their collective vision and passion for what we do will keep us focused on continued growth for our business and our people.” 

As previously announced, in his role as ESPN President and Co-Chair, Disney Media Networks, Skipper has a dual report to Disney Company President and Chief Executive Officer Robert A. Iger and ESPN Executive Chairman George Bodenheimer. 

Downloadable photos and bios on ESPN executives.

-30-