James Pitaro, current co-chair of Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media and president of Disney Interactive, will be stepping up as chairman of DCPI following the departure of current co-chair Leslie Ferraro. Walt Disney Company COO Thomas Staggs made the announcement. Pitaro will continue to report to Staggs, as well as to Disney chairman and CEO Robert Iger. Ferraro is vacating the co-chair position to pursue marketing and consumer engagement projects, with Disney as a client.
Pitaro joined Disney’s interactive division, which was last year combined with consumer products, in 2010 after holding the position of vice president at Yahoo Media. As president of Disney Interactive, Pitaro lead social media efforts and spearheaded digital video projects that extended Disney story lines. He oversees multi-platform games, premium web and apps for Disney and its brands.
“Jimmy’s strong and successful leadership makes him the natural choice to run DCPI at this dynamic and exciting time,” says Staggs. “He brings to this expanded position his keen eye for technological innovation and deep familiarity with the brands and franchises that continue to drive the segment’s growth. Having worked with Leslie throughout her 17-year career at Disney, I have great respect for her abilities and appreciate her contributions to the company, which include creating many of our Parks & Resorts’ most successful marketing strategies and iconic campaigns. Given her proven marketing savvy, I know she’ll have great success in her new endeavor.”
