Disney looks to salvage its loss-making digital business

John Pleasants and James Pitaro look to reverse fortunes of ailing digital arm

Disney has appointed two new co-presidents to oversee its digital business

Walt Disney has appointed two new co-presidents to head its interactive media group, in an effort to reverse losses to its digital operations.

John Pleasants, CEO at Playdom, a social gaming firm recently acquired by Disney, will focus on online gaming and continue to run the company. He will take on the role of co-president along with James Pitaro, former head of Yahoo’s media unit.

The pair will replace Steve Wadsworth, who left the company in September after a 17-year tenure, when they assume their roles on October 18.

Disney’s interactive business lost $130m (£82m) during the first nine months of FY2010, making it the firm’s only unprofitable division.