ESPN IT executives earn promotions

I have news of several promotions to share :

Chuck Pagano (pictured at left) was promoted from senior vice president of technology, engineering and operations to executive vice president of technology at ESPN in early October. (A PR person with the network informed me of the news earlier this week.)  His promotion comes amidst a reorganization of ESPN’s business functions and executive management.  Pagano reports to George Bodenheimer, who’s president of ESPN and ABC sports and co-chairman of Disney Media Networks.  Pagano joined ESPN prior to its debut on September 7, 1979 and was a key driver in the creation of ESPN’s Digital Center television production facility.

Also at ESPN, Paul Cushing (pictured at right) was promoted to senior vice president of management information technology, and Aaron LaBerge assumed the newly created position of vice president of technology.  Cushing oversees all of ESPN’s corporate systems infrastructure, software project management and telecom.  He joined ESPN in 1994. LaBerge is responsible for all technology operations in support of ESPN’s unit businesses as well as technology research and development.  He joined ESPN from Disney. 

Earlier this week, Jeffrey Peterson (pictured at left) was named to the newly created position of CIO at Unicco Service Co., a provider of maintenance, engineering and administrative services.  He reports to George Keches, Unicco’s president and COO.  Peterson most recently served as vice president of IT.  During his seven year tenure with the Newton, Mass.-based company, he has introduced automated inspection systems, computerized maintenance management systems, Web-based employee and customer portals and reporting systems.  Prior to Unicco, he worked for Arthur Anderson for 17 years. 

What does it take for an IT executive to get promoted these days?  Use the feedback form to share your thoughts and experiences.