Disney Hires YouTube Veteran Adam Smith In Key Tech Role for Entertainment and ESPN

Disney Hires YouTube Veteran Adam Smith In Key Tech Role for Entertainment and ESPN

As a long-time follower of the dynamic world of streaming entertainment, I am absolutely thrilled about Disney’s latest move to bring on board Adam Smith as their new Chief Product and Technology Officer for Disney Entertainment and ESPN. With his impressive 20-year tenure at Google and YouTube under his belt, it’s clear that Smith has the expertise and vision necessary to elevate Disney’s streaming game to new heights.


Disney has brought on Adam Smith as their new Chief Product and Technology Officer for both Disney Entertainment and ESPN, a move aimed at enhancing their streaming services.

Beginning next month, Smith will be responsible for managing the advancement and implementation of technology in areas such as streaming, networks, advertising, production techniques, and various digital interaction points within both Disney Entertainment and ESPN.

He will be reporting collaboratively to the co-chairs of Disney Entertainment, Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, as well as the chairman of ESPN, Jimmy Pitaro.

Smith, with a two-decade tenure at Google and its subsidiary YouTube, had been holding the position of Vice President (VP) in Product Management for YouTube recently. During his time, he was responsible for managing the development and rollout of various products such as YouTube Music, YouTube Premium, subscription services, and commerce offerings on the video platform.

As a dedicated gamer, I understand the importance of my role at Disney, where we’re aiming to rule the streaming realm. Our CEO, Bob Iger, has openly acknowledged that we need to amp up our tech and offerings to truly leverage our content’s potential, using Netflix as our blueprint.

As a dedicated enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be given the opportunity to spearhead the technological evolution for both Disney+ and Hulu. But that’s not all! The upcoming ESPN flagship streaming service is also on my agenda for development, slated for launch next year.

Previously occupied by Aaron LaBerge, who departed from Disney earlier this year and now serves as the Chief Technology Officer at Penn Entertainment, is the position that he is currently aiding in the expansion of the ESPN Bet platform there.

“Adam’s addition to the Disney team is nothing short of exciting! In a joint statement, Walden, Bergman, and Pitaro expressed their enthusiasm. They have been proactive in enhancing technological capabilities for their media, streaming, and advertising ventures, and Adam’s innovative, consumer-centric perspective for the future, coupled with his proven talent in managing global teams to deliver complex, adaptable, and scalable products and technology, will further boost storytelling at the heart of Disney.”

“Disney has cultivated an exceptional collection of brands, providing endless joy and amusement for people of all ages, due to a creative environment that values innovation, as noted by Smith. I am convinced that Disney is exceptionally well-equipped to prosper in the upcoming phase of media, having made remarkable advancements in a brief period while always prioritizing storytelling. I am eager to collaborate closely with Alan, Dana, Jimmy, and their exceptional teams, and I’m excited to contribute my knowledge in leveraging technology to develop captivating consumer experiences that will stimulate engagement and curiosity among fans, families, and friends.”

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2024-08-15 22:27