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Diego Lerner, Architect of Disney’s Expansion in Latin America, Dies

ESPN’s Argentine channels displayed a black mourning ribbon on-air in tribute.

Overview

  • Disney confirmed his passing and Bob Iger issued condolences, praising their nearly 35 years of collaboration.
  • A private farewell was held today at Jardín de Paz in Buenos Aires following his death after a long illness.
  • Weeks before his death, he retired and was named President Honorary of The Walt Disney Company Latin America.
  • He opened Disney’s first Latin American offices in the early 1990s, built the regional pay-TV and Disney Channel business, and led the EMEA division from 2009 to 2017 before returning to head Latin America in 2018.
  • He played a key role in integrating ESPN and Fox Sports and in Argentina’s long-term football broadcast strategy, and local ESPN signals added an on-air ribbon of mourning.