Aaron LaBerge has been named as the Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the recently formed Disney Direct-To-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment.

In this new role, LaBerge will be DTCI’s first CTO and a key member of the DTCI leadership team, reporting to Chairman Kevin Mayer. He will shape and support innovation and drive the strategic use and development of technology to power the DTCI business, deliver products and experiences to consumers around the world and provide the technology and operations to deliver the entertainment and sports content consumers around the world want, with more choice, personalisation and convenience.

“As a champion of innovation and growth, Aaron will work across our segment and the larger Company to develop an industry-leading technology infrastructure to meet future demands,” said Mayer. “Recognising that the needs of our consumers and clients are constantly changing, He brings a wealth of skill and experience to lead an organisation of talented and dedicated individuals in order to strategically respond to an increasingly complex media landscape.”

LaBerge said: “The Walt Disney Company has an incredible history of using technology to create magic, and I am thrilled to help carry that legacy forward. We are in the most dynamic and exciting period in the history of media and entertainment. How we dream up, create and utilise technology to power content, unleash creativity and drive business matters more than ever. DTCI will play a critical role in the Walt Disney Company continuing to thrive and win in this dynamic environment.”

Formed in March 2018, DTCI is Disney’s global, multiplatform media, product, technology, and distribution organisation for world-class content created by the company’s Studio Entertainment and Media Networks groups. The segment is comprised of Disney’s international media and direct-to-consumer businesses globally, including all Disney networks outside of the US, the ESPN+ streaming service, the upcoming Disney-branded direct-to-consumer streaming service and the Company’s ownership stake in Hulu.

Since 2015, LaBerge served as Executive Vice President and CTO at ESPN, where he was a key architect for state-of-the-art infrastructure, facilities and systems; led the design, and development of next-generation data, video and audio platforms; drove ESPN’s industry-leading innovation and advanced development work; and oversaw the strategic leadership and direction of technology – and its marriage with ESPN’s content – across all media. He also served on the Disney Research Advisory Board.

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