Penn Entertainment Disney CTO Hire: LaBerge Moves Over
Disney Entertainment CTO to Play Key Role With ESPN Bet
When Penn Entertainment needed a new Chief Technology Officer, it didn’t stray too far away. The company nabbed Disney CTO Aaron LaBerge to take the same position with them beginning July 1. The Penn Entertainment Disney CTO hire was met with positive reviews. His departure does leave a hole at Disney, however, and Disney is looking for a replacement. Chris Lawson will take over for LaBerge on an interim basis
Penn Entertainment CEO Jay Snowden hinted last month that a replacement for Benjie Levy, who is stepping down. He believes the company made an expert pick in getting LaBerge.
“We are thrilled to have someone of Aaron’s caliber join our Penn executive team,” Snowden said. “Having overseen a global organization of thousands of engineers, product developers, designers, technologists, and data scientists that created some of the largest scale and most successful media properties in the world, there is no better candidate to lead our Technology and Interactive division into its future.
“I know Aaron is looking forward to working with Todd George, our head of operations, and our entire Executive Team to continue growing our position as a leader in online gaming, sports betting, and digital sports media.”
One thing LaBerge will be tasked with is trying to improve ESPN Bet’s parlay format. That is one area where ESPN Bet trails the top sports betting apps, such as FanDuel and DraftKings. Parlay betting has been huge in the regulated market and it’s hoped the Penn Entertainment Disney CTO hire can make up some ground there.
LaBerge Stays With ‘Family’
One of the attractions to the new position for LaBerge is he remains in the immediate Disney family, but in a different role. He mentioned that much in a memo to co-workers announcing his decision.
“My journey with Disney doesn’t end here,” he wrote. “I’ll be joining the extended family at PENN Entertainment, working with Disney and ESPN on ESPN BET. This new role is exciting because I’ll get to continue to contribute to our company’s success from a new vantage point, while also being home for my family.
“Disney is more than just a company to me; it’s been my home, my inspiration, and a part of the most rewarding chapters of my life, both personally and professionally. The true magic of Disney isn’t just in our stories or our technology but in each of you. Your passion, creativity, and brilliance have made my journey unforgettable.”
LaBerge was looking forward to a new challenge, but wanted to remain at Disney a bit longer. He believes that will help make the transition to a new CTO go smoother.
“I plan to use my experience from Disney and ESPN to help make ESPN BET an essential piece of the sports fan experience,” he said. “Together, we’ll push the limits and redefine how fans interact with sports and gaming.”
ESPN Bet has work to do before catching up to the top sports gambling sites. It’s hoped the Penn Entertainment Disney CTO hire will help in that regard.
ESPN Bet currently operates in 18 different states. It’s big target is to be operating in New York by the end of the year.
For gambling news, odds analysis on the best online sportsbooks, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
