BAMTech Appoints Amazon Video Executive Michael Paull As CEO

BAMTech, the video streaming service owned by MLB Advanced Media, Disney and the National Hockey League, on Tuesday announced the hiring of longtime Amazon video executive Michael Paull as chief executive officer.

Paull comes on at a time when MLBAM president and CEO Bob Bowman takes a step back from the spinoff, which was valued at $3 billion, as it becomes an increasingly independent unit.

Bowman will remain on BAMTech’s board. Paull, who will start in March and report directly to the BAMTech board of directors, is credited with creating the Amazon Prime video service, Amazon.com’s counterpart to Netflix’s pay video streaming service.

“Michael is a talented and accomplished executive who shares our collective vision for BAMTech as it aggressively explores new means to acquire and distribute video content,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “We are confident Michael will deliver on the incredible potential and promise this venture has for building powerful viewing experiences for its clients and their customers.”

Paull will also work with Disney—which in three years can take a controlling stake in BAMTech—on the launch of a standalone ESPN service.

“The team at BAMTech has created a best in class Over-The-Top video streaming platform allowing them to develop innovative solutions for their customers,” Paull said in a news release. “I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with this highly accomplished team and want to thank Major League Baseball and The Walt Disney Company for this exciting opportunity.”