Disney and ESPN Media Networks have appointed Tim Connolly to the newly created position of vice president, mobile distribution.

Mr. Connolly has extensive experience in the wireless industry, most recently serving as vice president of sales and business development at Ericsson, where he was responsible for delivering networks, applications and services to T-Mobile and AT&T. Before that, he was responsible for Ericsson’s applications business in North America.

In his new position, Mr. Connolly will oversee efforts to create strategic relationships across the wireless industry on behalf of ABC Mobile, ABC News, Disney Channel and ESPN, with a primary focus on growing the distribution of linear mobile video, mobile VOD and mobile Web services with wireless service providers, handset manufacturers and others. He will lead his team in negotiating carriage agreements, overseeing accounts and developing distribution strategies in partnership with each brand, including the pricing and packaging plans of the company’s mobile product offerings.

Mr. Connolly will report to Matt Murphy, senior VP, digital video distribution, Disney and ESPN Media Networks.