• by Alex Weprin , November 1, 2018

ESPN has tapped a veteran of the company to lead its streaming video service, ESPN+.

The Disney-owned company has named Russell Wolff executive vice president-GM of ESPN+. Wolff was most recently executive vice president-managing director of ESPN International.

In his new role, Wolff will manage the day-to-day operations of ESPN, while also working on the “overall management and commercialization of ESPN-branded digital products,” the company says.

He will report to Michael Paull, president of Disney Streaming Services.

Disney launched ESPN+ in April, marking the company’s first streaming direct-to-consumer offering in the U.S., and ESPN’s biggest bet yet outside of the cable TV bundle.

ESPN+ offers live sporting events that are not available on the company’s TV channels, including MLB, NHL, soccer and combat sports.

It features limited advertising, although ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro said in August the company was “very interested” in expanding sponsorship opportunities on the platform.

In September, the company said ESPN+ surpassed 1 million subscribers.