James Pitaro to Chair Disney Consumer Products & Interactive Media

GLENDALE: James Pitaro has been appointed chairman of Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media following the departure of co-chair Leslie Ferraro.

Pitaro’s previous title was co-chair of Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. As chairman, he will take on additional responsibilities that were handled by Ferraro, who has left the company to pursue marketing and consumer engagement projects, with Disney as her first client. Pitaro will continue to work under Thomas O. Staggs, COO of The Walt Disney Company, and Robert A. Iger, Disney’s chairman and CEO.

Pitaro will also continue to serve as president of Disney Interactive, which he joined in 2010. Earlier in his career, he was VP of Yahoo Media, VP and general manager of Yahoo Sports, and VP and head of business affairs at Yahoo Music. Before that, he was VP of business affairs for LAUNCH Media and practiced law at a number of firms in New York.

“Jimmy’s strong and successful leadership makes him the natural choice to run DCPI at this dynamic and exciting time,” said 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.”

“I’m incredibly honored to lead such a talented team as we combine our technology-driven efforts and our more traditional product lines and retail operations to deliver amazing new merchandise and experiences that will build on Disney’s record for consistently exceeding consumer expectations,” noted Pitaro.

“I know that Jimmy will continue to lead the team to new levels of success, and I am excited to pursue my long-term passion for marketing, branding and creating winning consumer engagement strategies,” stated Ferraro.

“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’s most successful marketing strategies and iconic campaigns,” added Staggs. “Given her proven marketing savvy, I know she’ll have great success in her new endeavor.”