Russell Wolff Named EVP/GM for ESPN+

ESPN veteran Russell Wolff has been named executive vice president and general manager of ESPN+, it was announced Wednesday by Michael Paull, president, Disney Streaming Services, to whom Wolff will report.

Russell Wolf

In his new role — working closely with leaders at DTCI and ESPN — Wolff will be responsible for managing ESPN+, the premium multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment in collaboration with ESPN, which launched in April 2018.  Additionally, he will collaborate on the overall management and commercialization of ESPN-branded digital products.

“ESPN+ is off to a fantastic start as the fastest growing consumer sports streaming service in the market and Russell’s deep understanding of the ESPN brand and experience across all aspects of the media landscape will bring even more velocity to the service,” said Paull. “His strong business acumen and exceptional leadership qualities make him the perfect leader to advance the growth of ESPN+ as we continue to evolve the service.”

“I am deeply honored to take on this role and look forward to working and collaborating with the extraordinary people across DTCI’s Disney Streaming Services and ESPN to realize the enormous promise ahead of us,” said Wolff.  “ESPN+ is in the first inning of a very long game. There is a tremendous opportunity to grow the service and expand our position as the leading streaming service and provider of digital products for sports fans.”

Most recently, Wolff served as executive vice president and managing director, ESPN International, where he was responsible for all of ESPN’s international businesses, which grew to reach multiple countries and territories across all seven continents.