Reading Time: 2 minutes
PENN Entertainment has announced that Aaron LaBerge will be the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective July 1, 2024. This is subject to regulatory approvals as usual. Mr. LaBerge reports directly to PENN President & CEO Jay Snowden.
In his new position, Mr. LaBerge is responsible for the execution of the technology strategy for PENN. He will also be leading a multinational team and serve as the business leader for Interactive, the company’s Interactive Division.
Mr. LaBerge worked for The Walt Disney Company in two separate stints, separated by five-and-a-half years. He was also a technology entrepreneur. Most recently, he served as President and Chief Technology Officer of Disney Entertainment and ESPN. He was responsible for all product and technology development for The Walt Disney Company’s media divisions. He helped to set the vision for Disney’s use of technology in order to drive innovation and storytelling, as well as create unprecedented consumer experiences through entertainment and sports content.
Aaron is a high-calibre executive and we are delighted to have him join the PENN team. There is no one better to lead the Technology and Interactive Division into the future than Aaron, who has overseen an organization of thousands engineers, product designers, technologists and data scientists. Aaron Snowden is excited to work with Todd George, the head of our operations, and the entire Executive Team in order to grow our position as leaders in digital sports media, online gaming and sports betting,” said Mr. Snowden.
“I am excited to lead the technology strategy at PENN Interactive, and join a talented team. PENN is at the forefront in the rapidly changing gaming and sports media industries. My experience at Disney and ESPN will be used to make ESPN BET a key part of the sports fan’s experience. Together, we will redefine the way fans interact with sport and gaming,” said Mr. LaBerge.
LaBerge served as Executive Vice President and Chief Technologist at ESPN between 2015-2018. He played a key role in the development of ESPN’s digital media products and service for consumers. He led many of ESPN’s most challenging and ambitious projects, and helped establish ESPN as the leader of digital sports and innovative technology. He was an architect for the design, engineering, and development of ESPN’s cutting-edge facilities in Bristol CT, Los Angeles CA, Charlotte NC, and Austin TX. This included data centers, infrastructure, and technology to support the launch and multi-platform SEC Network.
LaBerge served as co-founder, CEO, and investor in Fanzter, Inc., a consumer software company and digital product developer. He directed Fanzter’s day-to-day operation and was responsible for the launch and development of innovative social and commerce technologies, as well as consumer-oriented internet and mobile products.
