Disney merging games and media groups as co-president Pleasants exits

The Walt Disney Company has announced it will consolidate Disney Interactive, announcing former co-president Jimmy Pitaro as sole head of the division.

Co-president John Pleasants will step down from his current post, but plans to work closely with Pitaro "to ensure a smooth transition and serve as a strategic consultant to the business."

"Following three years of consistent operating improvement at Disney Interactive and a great partnership between John and Jimmy, we are now in a position to fulfill our original objective to consolidate our Interactive business under one Los Angeles-based leader," Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger said.

"With Jimmy and John’s input, we have created an Interactive organization that is best structured to meet the demands of the fast-moving technology industry. I thank John for his many contributions to Disney Interactive including building tentpole products like Disney Infinity and establishing the company as a leading mobile games publisher and appreciate his passion for bringing Disney experiences to Guests on new platforms.”

"With the continued convergence of web and mobile entertainment platforms, Disney Interactive will move forward with a singular strategy for driving revenue and advertising across key platforms and franchises,” the company added.

Disney Interactive recently reported a rise in quarterly revenue, thanks to Disney Infinity’s strong sales performance.