Disney Interactive Co-President Resigns

BURBANK: James Pitaro has become the sole president of Disney Interactive, following the departure of co-president John Pleasants.

The Walt Disney Company is planning to merge the games and media operations within its interactive unit. Pleasants is expected to serve as a consultant to the business at least through the end of 2013. Pitaro and Pleasants became co-presidents of The Walt Disney Co.'s video game and digital media subsidiary in October 2010.

Pleasants joined Disney Interactive after its parent company acquired the online gaming outfit Playdom in July 2010. He had been serving as the CEO of the social media gaming company.

The interactive division posted a profit of $16 million in the quarter ended September 28, as sales more than doubled to $396 million. In the same quarter last year, the unit lost $76 million.