Hulu hires Disney’s Connolly for distribution role

US streaming service has hired Tim Connolly, an exec from one of its parents, Disney, to become its head of distribution.

Connolly has spent the past seven years as VP,  digital video distribution and new product development for Disney but will now handle sales at the VOD service.

“Finding ways to penetrate new distribution channels is key to our future growth,” said Hulu CEO Mike Hopkins. “Tim’s wealth of experience and passion for Hulu will be instrumental as we continue to grow our subscriber base and roll out Hulu Plus across even more devices and with more distribution partners.

In his previous role, Connolly lead the Mouse House’s  digital product distribution efforts across ESPN, ABC Family, ABC and Disney Channel, and helmed VOD and TV Everywhere strategies.

Prior to Disney, Connolly was at Ericsson and also launched a start-up coffee company.

Hulu last week sold its Japanese business – the only international venture it had launched – to Nippon TV.