ESPN’s Second Longest Tenured Employee Has Been Laid Off
The Walt Disney Company is in the midst of the second wave of company-wide job cuts.
With layoffs expected to impact every division of the company, employees at ESPN are bracing for impact.
According to inside sources, this week alone nearly 100 ESPN employees could lose their job.
Jimmy Pitaro’s Statement
In a memo to ESPN staff, ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro explained the upcoming cuts.
“As Bob Iger previously said, Disney is reducing its workforce by approximately 7,000 jobs as part of a strategic and streamlined realignment. Today I am sharing the difficult news that we are beginning to notify ESPN employees whose positions are impacted,” wrote Pitaro.
“As we advance as a core segment of Disney, with operational control and financial responsibility, we must further identify ways to be efficient and nimble. We will continue to focus our workforce on initiatives that are most closely aligned with our critical priorities and emphasize decision-making and responsibility deeper into the organization.
“That said, I do not want to minimize the enormous toll of saying goodbye to dedicated colleagues that have worked tirelessly to strengthen ESPN and deliver for sports fans. The people of ESPN, and their constant resolve to get the job done, to excel and to innovate, have built this place. We will act with compassion, respect for our colleagues, and professionalism as we face these hard circumstances.”
Longtime ESPN Executive Among Layoffs
Among those laid off today included ESPN mainstay Mike Soltys. The veteran PR executive had been with the company for 43 years.
Soltys, who was the network’s second-longest tenured employee, recently served as vice president of communications and was hired by ESPN founder Bill Rassmussen.
“Since I came to Bristol in 1980 as an unpaid intern I’ve been full of gratitude for the front row seat I’ve had for a business success story like no other,” wrote Soltys in an internal memo to his colleagues in the communications department. “With ESPN retirement, I turn to thinking about the future and I am open to your ideas of new opportunities.”
On social media, Soltys took the news with a sense of humor. He tweeted, “My final statement as ESPN Spokesperson: ’43 Amazing Years. Wow. We wish him well.’”
My final statement as ESPN Spokesperson: “43 Amazing Years. Wow. We wish him well.” https://t.co/qaWi807zBR
— Mike Soltys (@MichaelJSoltys) April 24, 2023
With a mainstay like Mike Soltys a victim of the latest job cuts, ESPN employees are understandably on edge.
As always, continue to check back with MickeyBlog. We will continue to bring you updates on all the news surrounding the Walt Disney Company.
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