Disney Tech Executive Heads to Gambling Giant Amid Streaming Focus

Disney’s top technology officer, Aaron LaBerge, is leaving the company in June due to personal reasons. He will be joining Penn Entertainment, a gambling giant that operates ESPN Bet, Disney’s sports wagering service. In his new role as chief technology officer at Penn, LaBerge will lead a team of technologists and serve as the key business leader for the company’s interactive division.

During his 20-year tenure at Disney, LaBerge played a crucial role in merging Disney and Hulu after Disney acquired Comcast’s stake in the streamer for over $8 billion last year. He also incorporated advertising into Disney’s streaming offerings. This move comes at a time when Disney is focusing more on its streaming services and expanding its reach in the digital entertainment space.