Josh Krulewitz, a 32-year veteran of ESPN, has been named head of communications for the Disney sports subsidiary.With the new title of SVP of Communications, Krulewitz will succeed Chris LaPlaca, who will officially retire December 31 after a run at ESPN that has lasted more than 43 years. LaPlaca, who announced his retirement in October, has led the communications department since 2008. He will end his tenure as the company’s longest-serving behind-the-scenes employee.In his new role, Krulewitz will report to ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro and Disney Chief Communications Officer Kristina Schake. Disney recently separated out ESPN as its own corporate division, increasing visibility into its operations as it prepares for major initiatives like launching a stand-alone streaming version of its linear network.“Josh is a dynamic, collaborative, and strategic communications leader,” Pitaro said in a press release. “I’ve worked closely with Josh for many years and have benefitted from his excellent advice during many challenging situations. I have seen him cultivate countless relationships with media and ESPN colleagues over the years, all of which will benefit him and all of us as we continue to navigate through a complex sports media environment.”LaPlaca “has played a pivotal role in virtually all major events in ESPN’s history, serving as a key strategist and spokesperson” Pitaro added. “I’ve relied on his integrity, judgement and instincts since I arrived here, and I am incredibly grateful for all he has done for me and for ESPN.”Across the decades, Krulewitz has worked on “nearly every aspect of the company’s business,” the release said. Those activities have included publicity for sports at the professional, college and high school level, as well as league and event agreements, network and program launches, business communications, special campaigns, issue management, government and investor relations and internal communications.Krulewitz joined ESPN as a communications intern in 1990 while an undergrad at the University of Connecticut, not far from the company’s Bristol, CT headquarters. After joining ESPN as a publicist, he rose through the ranks with multiple promotions, eventually being named VP in 2006.“This one-of-a-kind role leading the world-class ESPN Communications team comes with extraordinary responsibility,” Krulewitz said. “It’s quite an honor to be trusted to represent the elite ESPN brand, collaborate with Disney, and to work alongside the most talented and dedicated colleagues around.”
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