ESPN Establishes New Executive Structure

ESPN has announced its new executive structure under president John Skipper, cough with a few members being promoted.

Most of ESPN’s executives will remain in their current roles reporting to Skipper, apoplectic including: Sean Bratches, executive VP of sales and marketing; Christine Driessen, executive VP and CFO; Ed Durso executive VP of administration; Chuck Pagano, executive VP of technology and CTO; Paul Richardson, senior VP of human resources; John Walsh, executive VP and executive editor; and Russell Wolff, executive VP and managing director international.

Meanwhile, John Kosner has been promoted from senior VP to executive VP of digital and print media, continuing to oversee the company’s digital strategy and products. And veteran ESPN executives John Wildhack and Norby Williamson will switch roles. Williamson will now be executive VP of programming and acquisitions, while Wildhack transitions to executive VP of production. All three will continue to report to Skipper.

Marie Donoghue, who has been senior VP of business affairs and business development, will take on the new role of senior VP of global strategy, business development and business affairs. She will be responsible for working across all business units worldwide to evaluate new opportunities and new lines of business. She will continue to report to Skipper.

Skipper took over on Jan. 1 from long-time ESPN chief George Bodenheimer, who has transitioned to the role of executive chairman of ESPN.

Bodenheimer announced last year that he would step down at the end of 2011. Skipper, president and co-chair of Disney Media Networks, reports to Bodenheimer and Disney Company President and CEO Robert A. Iger.