ESPN President John Skipper Resigns
ESPN president John Skipper has announced he is stepping down from his role, citing substance addiction.
Skipper has led ESPN since 2012, and it was recently reported he had extended his contract until 2021. He also serves as co-chairman of Disney Media Works, a role which he has also stepped down from.
His announcement comes days after Disney struck a deal with 21st Century Fox for $52.4bn, purchasing its entertainment properties, including a number of the company’s sports assets.
Former ESPN president George Bodenheimer, who served as president from 1998 to 2001, will step in as interim president. He will assist the company for the next 90 days to help Disney chairman and chief executive officer Bob Iger find a replacement.
In a statement, Skipper said: “Today I have resigned from my duties as president of ESPN,” Skipper said in a statement. “I have had a wonderful career at the Walt Disney Company and am grateful for the many opportunities and friendships. I owe a debt to many, but most profoundly Michael Lynton, George Bodenheimer and Bob Iger.
“I have struggled for many years with a substance addiction. I have decided that the most important thing I can do right now is to take care of my problem. I have disclosed that decision to the company, and we mutually agreed that it was appropriate that I resign. I will always appreciate the human understanding and warmth that Bob displayed here.
“I come to this public disclosure with embarrassment, trepidation and a feeling of having let others I care about down. To my colleagues at ESPN, it has been a privilege. I take great pride in your accomplishments and have complete confidence in your collective ability to continue ESPN’s success.”
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