Disney tech executive Aaron LaBerge leaves business after more than 20 years

Aaron LaBerge, chief technological innovation officer of Disney Leisure and ESPN, declared Monday that he is departing the Burbank-dependent media huge and will join on line casino and athletics-betting organization Penn Leisure.

LaBerge will phase into his new part as main technological innovation officer of Penn Leisure in July, according to the Pennsylvania-based company, which provides integrated entertainment, sports activities written content and on line casino gaming experiences. He has invested additional than 20 yrs at Disney, exactly where he specializes in technological know-how and products for the company’s media divisions.

LaBerge will however be affiliated with ESPN simply because Penn Amusement is at the rear of ESPN Bet, the athletics network’s gambling undertaking.

“I’m excited to sign up for a different proficient team at PENN Interactive and lead our know-how method,” LaBerge said in a assertion.

“PENN Enjoyment is at the forefront of the speedy-changing gaming and sporting activities media market. I plan to use my working experience from Disney and ESPN to assist make ESPN Bet an critical piece of the sports activities enthusiast encounter. Together, we’ll push the limits and redefine how supporters interact with athletics and gaming.”

In a memo to his group on Monday, LaBerge spelled out that he had decided to leave Disney for individual causes linked to his family .

“Disney is more than just a enterprise to me it is been my household, my inspiration, and a portion of the most worthwhile chapters of my lifetime, both equally individually and professionally,” LaBerge wrote in the memo.

“The real magic of Disney is not just in our tales or our know-how but in just about every of you. Your passion, creativeness, and brilliance have created my journey unforgettable.”

Disney chairmen Dana Walden, Alan Bergman and Jimmy Pitaro later informed team that the look for for LaBerge’s substitution is underway. Chris Lawson, govt vice president of information functions at Disney Leisure and ESPN, will assume an interim management function in the months ahead of LaBerge’s exit.