George Bodenheimer

George Bodenheimer is an ESPN and cable industry pioneer and, as the company’s longest-tenured President (13 years, 1998-Dec. 31, 2011), he led an unprecedented period of global growth. He oversaw all multimedia sports assets of The Walt Disney Company from March 3, 2003 – December 31, 2011 and was co-chairman, Disney Media Networks from April 20, 2004 – December 31, 2011. Bodenheimer, who began his ESPN career in the administration department as a driver in the mailroom just 16 months after the launch of the network, became President 17 short years later. He learned the company from the ground up by taking positions in the affiliate sales and marketing department throughout the country – Dallas, Chicago, Denver, Bristol and New York. Bodenheimer was graduated from Denison University in 1980 with a bachelor of arts degree in economics. He is married with three children. On January 1, 2012, Bodenheimer assumed the newly created position of Executive Chairman, ESPN, Inc. In that capacity, he provided strategic direction for ESPN’s global business until he chose to leave the company May 31, 2014.