Disney Expands Leadership Team with Two New EVPs for Adam Smith’s Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology Group
August 19, 2025 — As ESPN prepares to unveil its much-anticipated direct-to-consumer streaming service, Disney is reinforcing its leadership team by adding two executive vice presidents (EVPs) to the Disney Entertainment and ESPN Technology Group helmed by Adam Smith.
Smith, who joined Disney a year ago as Chief Product & Technology Officer, brought with him a wealth of experience from tech giants YouTube and Google. Since assuming his role, he has been spearheading innovation across Disney’s streaming and entertainment technology platforms.
The new appointments include Tony Donohoe and Erin Teague, who come aboard to sharpen the company’s technological and product strategies.
Tony Donohoe: Driving Advertising Platform Innovation
Tony Donohoe, formerly a senior technology executive at Walmart, brings over 30 years of technology leadership spanning retail, financial services, travel, and enterprise software. During his tenure at Walmart as Senior Vice President of Technology, Donohoe led a global team of more than 4,500 professionals managing cloud infrastructure and commerce platform spending. Notably, he spearheaded Walmart’s in-house demand-side platform (DSP) with self-serve capabilities, integrating first-party data to enhance advertising efficacy.
At Disney, Donohoe’s focus will be on advertising platforms, collaborating closely with Disney Advertising head Rita Ferro. His team is tasked with driving growth and innovation in Disney’s ad business, bolstering the company’s ability to deliver dynamic and personalized ad experiences across its expansive media ecosystem.
Erin Teague: Enhancing Product Management with Expertise in AI and Personalization
Erin Teague, whose background includes senior roles at Google, Yahoo, Twitter, and Morgan Stanley, joins Disney with deep expertise in software engineering, sports technology, artificial intelligence, and personalized product management. Her experience bridges both the entertainment and tech sectors, making her a strategic asset as Disney advances its user-centric product innovation.
At Disney, Teague will lead a team that shapes some of the company’s most beloved consumer products, enhancing functionality and engagement across platforms. Adam Smith praised her as an “exceptional leader” and “former Google colleague,” expressing enthusiasm to collaborate with her once again.
ESPN’s New Streaming Era
These strategic hires come on the eve of ESPN’s launch of its new direct-to-consumer streaming service, which will debut on Thursday alongside an upgraded app. The service offers access to 12 linear ESPN networks, ESPN+, and select content for an introductory price of $30 per month without a pay-TV subscription. Subscribers with traditional pay-TV packages can authenticate their credentials to access the service at no additional cost.
By reinforcing its leadership with veterans like Donohoe and Teague, Disney aims to ensure that its entertainment and sports technology operations continue evolving to meet the rapidly changing demands of streaming audiences.
Adam Smith on the New Leadership Additions
Smith remarked, “Tony and Erin are exceptional leaders who bring technical firepower, deep expertise, and dynamic vision. Their leadership will be a key part of our success in driving innovation and delivering user-centric products.”
With this expanded executive team, Disney’s Entertainment and ESPN Technology Group is well-positioned to accelerate innovation, optimize advertising revenue, and deliver enhanced digital experiences to its global audience.
For more updates on Disney, ESPN, and the streaming landscape, stay tuned to Deadline.
