ESPN executive Mark Shapiro is leaving the company to work for Daniel Snyder, the owner of the Washington Redskins and an investor in the Six Flags Amusement Parks. Mr. Shapiro, who as executive VP of programming and production had a big role in ESPN’s expansion and its move into original programming, will become CEO of Red Zone LLC, a private investment company founded by Mr. Snyder, effective Oct. 1.

“Mark has made many significant contributions to ESPN’s growth during his 12-year tenure and we have benefited greatly from his talent and creativity,” George Bodenheimer, president of ESPN and ABC Sports and co-chairman of Disney Media Networks, said in a statement. “On a personal level, I will miss Mark’s day-to-day counsel and his undying commitment to ESPN. We wish him all the best.”