Former Apple executive Pete Distad has been tapped to run the upcoming joint sports streaming service between Warner Bros. Discovery, ESPN and Fox.
Distad, 50, will oversee strategy, distribution, marketing and sales for the as-yet-unnamed new business, which is expected to debut in the fall.
The veteran executive has extensive experience with streaming services. He was responsible for the business, operations and global distribution of video, sports and Apple TV+ during his 10-year tenure at the tech giant.
Previously, she served as senior vice president of marketing and distribution at Hulu.
“This is an exciting opportunity to build and grow a differentiated product that serves America’s passionate sports fans outside of traditional pay-TV bundles,” Distad said Friday.
“We are excited to bring together the industry-leading sports content portfolios of these three companies to deliver new, best-in-class services.”
Last month, Warner Bros. Discovery, Fox and Disney-owned ESPN announced they would work together to build a new streaming platform that would leverage their vast sports assets to compete with the likes of Amazon and Apple.
The service includes games from major sports leagues and top college conferences, available on Max, Hulu, and ESPN+. Pricing for the service has not yet been announced, but media experts expect it to range from $40 per month or more.
ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery praised Dystad in a joint statement Friday: We are confident that he and his team will build a highly appealing, fan-focused product for our target market. ”
The new CEO will report to the venture’s board of directors, which includes representatives selected by each of the three companies.
He will be based in the venture’s yet-to-be-established office in Los Angeles.
