White will be responsible for Disney's new virtual territory after running its consumer experiences and platforms in the DMED division.
Disney has named Mike White to lead the studio’s metaverse strategy.
The metaverse refers to the concept of new entertainment supplied by virtual reality devices that aims to usher in a new wave of business on the internet.
White, who has been with the firm for more than 10 years, will oversee a team that includes senior leaders.
White has added the metaverse role to his existing duties leading consumer experiences and platforms in the Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution (DMED) division, overseeing the technology strategy, engineering and product teams charged developing digital experiences across brands including ABC, ABC News, Disney, ESPN, FX, Marvel, National Geographic and Star Wars.
White will report to Kareem Daniel, chairman of Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, and to Josh D’Amaro, chairman of parks, experiences and products.
In his prior roles at Disney, White led technology organisations at Disney Parks Experiences and Products, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media, and Disney Interactive. Before joining Disney in 2011, White served as CTO and CIO of the Apollo Group, where he led the development of academic social networks, mobile applications, and the creation of an educational-adaptive learning platform for third parties and universities.
From 1999 to 2009, White worked at Yahoo, where he held senior positions in product development, engineering, and global operations. Before that he worked in technology at GeoCities until the company was acquired by Yahoo in 1999. He holds a bachelor of arts’ degree from Ohio State University and lives in Los Angeles.
