CNN.com hires new GM from Disney

Kenneth “KC” Estenson is leaving Disney to become the SVP and GM of CNN.com. Estenson was VP of digital media for Disney-ABC Cable Networks Group. He’ll report to Susan Grant, EVP of CNN News Services. “The opportunity to develop new and innovative ways to take CNN.com to the next level is a challenge I’m excited and enthusiastic about taking on,” he said in a press release, which follows below…

PRESS RELEASE — Building on its tremendous momentum and record-breaking success, CNN.com has appointed Kenneth “KC” Estenson senior vice president and general manager, it was announced today by Susan Grant, executive vice president of CNN News Services. Estenson is currently vice president of digital media for Disney-ABC Cable Networks Group and will join CNN.com Tuesday, Sept. 2.

A strategic, energetic leader with a track record of success in the development and distribution of digital businesses and content across both the entertainment and news arenas, Estenson will oversee all aspects of CNN.com’s business. He will be based at CNN’s worldwide headquarters in Atlanta and will report directly to Grant.

“CNN.com is in the strongest position in its history, experiencing record growth and revenue, and it is more critical than ever for us to look toward new frontiers of online content creation and distribution,” Grant said. “I’m confident KC is the person to lead us to innovate in new, exciting and impactful ways – not only because of his impressive success in building and growing digital businesses, but also because of his passion and enthusiasm; superb operational insight and people skills; and hunger to guide others as well as learn from them.”

“Joining the No. 1 news and information site on the Web is thrilling, and I am eager to begin working alongside the exceptional editorial and business operations team already in place at CNN.com,” Estenson said. “The opportunity to develop new and innovative ways to take CNN.com to the next level is a challenge I’m excited and enthusiastic about taking on.”

At Disney, Estenson oversaw the digital media businesses across the company’s online, on-demand, mobile, gated broadband and wireless products for Disney’s wholly-owned cable networks including Disney Channel Worldwide, SOAPnet and ABC Family. During his tenure at Disney, Estenson played a critical role in a wide variety of projects, including the development of Disney-ABC’s digital media product and distribution strategy; the assessment of Disney-ABC’s international television distribution strategies; and the launch of ABC News Now broadband service.

Estenson first joined The Walt Disney Company in 2001 and was focused on the integration of new divisions, projects and businesses into the company, in particular after Disney Media Networks’ acquisition of Fox Family Worldwide.

In 2007, Estenson received a 2007 Primetime Emmy® Award for Excellence in Interactive Television Programming for ABC Family’s Fallen Alternate Reality Game.

Estenson received his bachelor’s degree in political science with honors from St. Mary’s College of California and studied at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He also earned a master’s of education from Harvard University.

CNN.com is the world’s No. 1 destination for online and wireless news, garnering the greatest audience share among current events and global news sites. Launched in 1995, CNN.com draws from the resources of CNN Worldwide and its many partners to provide consumers with the most enriching, immediate interaction with news anywhere, seamlessly combining articles, videos, images, interactive features and user-generated content. CNN.com’s news video offering – both live and on-demand – is unparalleled on the Web. CNN.com’s recent awards include an Edward R. Murrow award, a National Headliner award and two EPpy awards.