Bob Chapek Finally Visits ESPN
Bob Heads to Bristol
This trip was supposed to happen back in early 2020.
However, the world had other ideas.
Stock Image
SO, now, 14 months later, it’s “Game on!”
Thursday, the Walt Disney Company’s CEO Bob Chapek made his first visit to ESPN headquarters in Bristol, Conn., some 14 months after he was originally scheduled to be introduced to the sprawling headquarters where ESPN was founded in 1979.
Bob Chapek, CEO, The Walt Disney Company
Screen Capture Source: “Once Upon A Disney Wish”
Chapek toured the campus, meeting with ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro, senior leaders, and extending heartfelt thanks to some of the employees who kept ESPN running – and serving sports fans – throughout the pandemic.
Of course, Mr. Chapek has been in the news a whole bunch over the last few days, and it stands to reason that he will continue to be a prominent guest on a whole bunch of business shows.
Image: ESPN
However, Chapek was pleased to speak to his ESPN employees, praising the group for its strong work throughout the pandemic.
“I’m a big ‘challenge-the-status-quo’ guy,” Chapek said to employees. “But even I was surprised at how resilient and resourceful our teams can be.
Image: ESPN
“The folks in our broadcast business were amazing. How you all found a way to not only be on air but to make the best of the slim pickings you had was just incredible. And what I learned was that if you have the right people and you give them the worst circumstances you can still succeed.”
Meanwhile, the man behind the mouse reiterated that he has confidence in ESPN and its business.
Image: Joe Faraoni/ESPN IMages
Chapek explained that the combo of sports and news is a winning formula.
“That’s a good thing for us,” he said. “It’s an important strategic advantage we have.”
By the way, Disney stock fought its way back up over 179.00 today.
Did you watch ESPN during the pandemic? If so, did your viewership improve or decline? The comments are below; let us know.
Feature Image: ESPN
