• by Karlene Lukovitz  @KLmarketdaily, March 2, 2023

ESPN is being reorganized as part of the larger restructuring at parent company Disney implemented by returning CEO Bob Iger. 

In a memo to staff, Jimmy Pitaro, who was made ESPN chairman last month as part of the Iger plan, announced a more streamlined structure designed to “drive responsibility deeper” into the organization as it becomes “a larger, more complex, multi-platform organization with a global scope.” 

The move continues Iger’s dismantling of the Media and Entertainment Distribution structure created under former CEO Bob Chapek, who was ousted last fall. 

Personnel changes to “bring new perspectives” to some areas of the organization include naming Rosalyn Durant executive vice president, programming and acquisitions, and promoting Burke Magnus to president, content.

Durant, a 24-year Disney and ESPN veteran who had been senior vice president of Disney Springs, Water Parks, and ESPN Wide World of Sports since early 2020, will oversee ESPN+, ESPN International, Andscape and espnW for ESPN, as well as programming and acquisitions.

Magnus, a 28-year ESPN veteran, has been president, programming and original content. In his new role, he will oversee studio shows, live events, newsgathering, investigative journalism, original content/ESPN Films, the Talent Office, audio, digital, and social media.