Disney streaming veteran Jessica Casano-Antonellis joins SiriusXM as communications manager

Jessica Cassano-Antonelis, former Disney CEO who starred in the launch of Disney + and ESPN +, has joined SiriusXM as Director of SVP and Communications.

He reports to Marketing Director Dennis Karkosis and hires Patrick Reilly, who will leave the audio company after 17 years in the business.

Casano-Antonellis, who worked for digital video company Vimeo prior to joining Disney, will oversee SiriusXM’s strategic communications, brand reputation management and media relations.

“Jessica is an esteemed and respected leader who brings to SiriusXM extensive strategic communications experience in the media, entertainment and technology industries,” Karkos said in an official statement. “You will be an incredible asset to the company and you will play a key role as we continue to tell the story of SiriusXM as a leader in audio entertainment.”

Following the launch of Disney in 2018, Cassano-Antonelis helped launch ESPN + and Disney + in 2019. Most recently, he was communications manager for the entire Disney Streaming division, overseeing global communications strategies for Disney + and Hulu.

Disney’s top executives, even in corporate communications, have changed in recent months. Last month, Jeff Morel left just three months later to replace Zenia Mucha, longtime chief of communications, after Christina Shake, a former member of the Biden administration, came on board as keynote speaker. In the broadcast operation, CEO Karen Hobson switched to an international role a few months ago and Heather Host Rivera expanded her powers.

At Vimeo, Casano-Antonellis oversaw the communications strategy for the video platform acquired by Barry Diller’s InterActive Corp. in 2006. The IAC canceled Vimeo last year and is now listed on Nasdaq. Prior to Vimeo, Jessica worked for nearly 10 years with technology PR agency Text100, now Archetype, working with entertainment clients including MTV, Bravo and Weather Channel.

“After more than four full and demanding communications from Walt Disney’s streaming services portfolio, I am looking forward to my next adventure with Dennis, CEO Jennifer Wits and the rest of the SiriusXM management team. Antonelli said. “I am thrilled with Jennifer’s vision for the company and look forward to entering the company’s narrative as she pushes new boundaries in the audio space.”

Reilly plans to remain a consultant until July. “Patrick has been a tireless leader in our public relations and corporate communications since 2004, working to ensure that SiriusXM is fairly and positively represented in the market,” said Karkos.