ESPN has announced its new vice president of programming and acquisitions. Heather Anderson is assuming the role as she transitions from her time with The Walt Disney Company Legal team. Anderson brings over two decades of music and media experience from her time as a respected entertainment and technology attorney.
“Heather’s extensive experience across the Disney family and on a variety of platforms make her a fantastic addition to our leadership team,” said Burke Magnus, president, programming and original content, ESPN. “We’re eager to welcome her to ESPN at an exciting time as we continue to grow and innovate.”
Anderson’s initial role involves the biggest new avenue in sports media: gambling. She is working directly with Mike Morrison (ESPN vice president, sports betting and fantasy) on the sports betting opportunities in front of ESPN. Anderson is the point woman on dealings between programming and original content and ESPN Content Strategy.
She is bridging the gap for the content strategy team related to large, multi-sport opportunities and audience expansion initiatives. Anderson is acting in a similar role for The Undefeated and ESPN Edge, among others.
“I am thrilled to expand on my vast experiences in the entertainment industry and at The Walt Disney Company through this opportunity to focus on diversity and innovation in programming with the best brand in sports,” Anderson said in the press release.
Anderson has worked at The Walt Disney Company since 2013, helping lead teams that supported mobile apps, websites, vertical video games, and more. Before working at The Walt Disney Company, Anderson worked as an attorney in the legal affairs department of Interscope Geffen A&M Records.
While there, she regularly handled licensing recording agreements worth millions of dollars. ESPN is serious about sports betting, and they hired a sharp legal mind to make sure that phase of their business grows the right way.