-- ESPN: The Disney unit is boosting its digital research firepower with the hiring of Dr. Tom Evans as VP-digital and cross media measurement . Evans moves over from ABC Radio Networks where he headed research for nine years. At ESPN, he will report to Artie Bulgarin, SVP-research and sales development. In the new position, Evans will supervise research strategy for ESPN digital media, including internet, mobile, digital audio and video with an emphasis on supporting digital media growth including ad sales, branding and content development. He’ll also be responsible for advancing ESPN’s cross-media research. (For more on ESPN’s cross-platform sales approach see this AdAge piece.)
-- Kosmix: The content search firm has appointed former AOL CEO Jonathan Miller to its board. The company has raised over $25 million from its two venture partners as well as private investors including Jeff Bezos and investor Bill Miller of Legg Mason.
-- Takkle: The high school sports social net start-up hired Frank Speiser as CTO; Speiser previously was CTO of Heavy.com.
-- Slacker: Internet radio service Slacker has added XM co-founder Lon Levin as senior advisor. Levin has been involved in a number of other media, satellite and wireless companies. He will be advising the company on its move into personalized car radio delivered via satellite. Release.