Ex-Apple, Samsung executive hired to run Disney's upcoming streaming video app

Back last August, we told you that Disney is planning to compete with Netflix by launching an app that will offer subscribers streaming videos consisting of TV shows and movies. The House of Mouse has a large library of live action and animated content that it can share with users of the app. To head up the new service, Disney apparently wanted someone who has worked with mobile devices and on streaming apps. According to Variety, Disney's BAMTech Media division will announce the hiring of Kevin Swint to first build, and then run the unit. 

Swint, who will reportedly be given the titles of SVP and GM of Disney's Streaming Video On Demand unit, recently worked at Samsung where he helped build out Sammy's ill fated Milk Music streaming service, and Milk Video. Prior to that, Swint put in five years with Apple, where he ran the global iTunes movie business. And earlier in his career, Kevin ran digital products and services for discount retailer Walmart.

When Disney announced its plan to start a Netflix competitor, it also said that it would not renew its deal with Netflix that allowed the latter to stream first-run Disney movies. Instead, those films will be available exclusively in the U.S. on Disney's new streaming app, starting next year. The Burbank based media giant also will eventually be able to offer content that it will acquire when its $52.4 billion purchase of 20th Century Fox closes.

So far, there has been no word from Disney about what it will name its Netflix competitor. Pricing is another unknown. What we do know is that it will be available from app stores, Pay-TV partners, and from Disney itself.

source: Variety