George Bodenheimer
George Bodenheimer
Executive Chairman
ESPN, Inc.
On January 1, 2012, George Bodenheimer assumed the newly created position of Executive Chairman, ESPN, Inc. In that capacity, he provides strategic direction for ESPN’s global business and chairs ESPN’s board of directors.
Bodenheimer is an ESPN and cable industry pioneer and, as the company’s longest-tenured President (13 years, 1998-2012), 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’s path to leadership mirrors that of ESPN itself – with his sharp focus on creativity and cutting-edge innovation, always enhancing value for sports fans and ESPN’s business partners, and his conviction for teamwork. He believes ESPN’s culture is the company’s strategic advantage. As President, he viewed his primary role as working hard to preserve and enhance that culture while emphasizing career development for all of ESPN’s people.
Consistent and substantive growth defined Bodenheimer’s tenure as President, leading to unprecedented success. His leadership style was simple but effective: empower all employees to proactively take charge of their careers and to base decisions on the company’s stated mission: “Serve Sports Fans. Anytime. Anywhere.” He launched a company priority process that engaged all employees to drive business initiatives. His vision created a vibrant, innovative workplace.
BUSINESS INITIATIVES
Throughout his career, Bodenheimer’s contributions were integral to ESPN’s success. His business initiatives were designed with one goal in mind – to bring greater value to all of ESPN’s constituents: affiliates, advertisers, rightsholders and ultimately consumers.
While President, his vision led to company and industry-leading innovations in integrated sales and marketing, original programming, acquisitions and new technologies. At the same time, he solidified and enhanced ESPN’s position as The Worldwide Leader in Sports.
Under Bodenheimer’s leadership, ABC Sports had one of the broadcast industry’s most comprehensive sports programming schedules and contributed to ESPN offering more leading platforms than any other sports media entity.
Bodenheimer elevated the company’s numerous corporate outreach initiatives, most notably The V Foundation for Cancer Research, which was founded by ESPN and the late basketball coach and commentator Jim Valvano.
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Bodenheimer was graduated from Denison University in 1980 with a bachelor of arts degree in economics. He is married with three children.
