The Walt Disney Internet Group has announced it has appointed A.D. "Bud" Albers as chief technology officer, where he'll be responsible for "leading technological breakthroughs on existing platforms as well as developing cutting-edge new technology solutions in support of the company's new media technology needs."

Prior to joining WDIG, where Albers was senior vice president and CEO at MediaNet Digital (formerly MusicNet), where he supported the launch of music services including Microsoft Zune, MTV Urge, Yahoo Music Unlimited, Virgin Red Pass and the Samsung Media Service in Europe. He also played an active role in the company's shift into video, DRM free and cross platform technologies.

Steve Wadsworth, WDIG President, commented, "Bud's depth and breadth of experience in complex technology solutions and global business challenges will be invaluable to us as we pursue our mission to offer a compelling mix of interactive entertainment and information content and services for Internet and mobile devices for audiences around the world. We're fortunate to have someone with Bud's deep success record and strategic insight on our leadership team."

Continued Wadsworth, "His technical knowledge combined with his strategic thinking will help us achieve our vision of a world where users can access The Walt Disney Company content, including Disney-branded characters and stories, ABC news and entertainment and ESPN sports coverage and analysis, anytime and anywhere."

That "anytime and anywhere" access to Disney-branded content likely includes the company's recent strong presence in the virtual worlds space, too.