Longtime Executive and President of Platform Distribution Justin Connolly Exits The Walt Disney Company
Connolly re-signed his contract with Disney earlier this year.
After more than two decades with the House of Mouse, Disney distribution executive Justin Connolly has exited the company.
What’s Happening:
- Deadline is reporting that Justin Connolly, a distribution executive for Disney, departed his role with the company on Friday, May 16th.
- Starting his career with Disney in 2003 as Director of ESPN Strategy and Operations, Connolly worked through a number of positions at the sports network before moving up to The Walt Disney Company's executive branch.
- Connolly was named President of Platform Distribution for Disney in 2019, where he reported to Co-Chairmen of Entertainment Alan Bergman and Dana Walden and ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro.
- In his role, he oversaw all third-party media sales for distribution and affiliate-related business operations for all of Disney’s direct-to-consumer services and linear media networks.
- He was also in charge of content sales agreements.
- Connolly’s departure was somewhat of a shock, as he was present in last week’s media briefing for ESPN’s new streaming service.
- Two executives will take on Connolly’s responsibilities as Disney looks for a replacement. This includes Sean Breen (Executive Vice President of Platform Distribution) and Jimmy Zasowki (Executive Vice President of Platform Distribution Strategy).
- Connolly had re-signed with Disney earlier this year, adding even more confusion to his departure.
- As it stands, industry experts are currently speculating Connolly is headed to YouTube TV. Nothing has been confirmed at this time.
- Connolly played a huge role in the 2023 and 2024 negotiations between Disney and Charter Communications and DirecTV.
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