BRISTOL, CT — ESPN corporate comms head Mike Soltys has been let go from the sports network after 43 years as part of parent Disney’s most recent round of layoffs.

“My final statement as ESPN Spokesperson: ‘43 Amazing Years. Wow. We wish him well,’” Soltys wrote on Twitter.

According to the Sports Business Journal, Soltys learned of the news Monday, when the network announced it would be cutting jobs in keeping with Disney’s plan to reduce its workforce by 7,000. It’s not known how many ESPN employees will be affected by this week’s layoffs — the second round since Disney CEO Bob Iger announced the cost-cutting measures in February, the Sports Business Journal reported.

Soltys joined ESPN as an intern in 1980.

“After 43 years at ESPN — 98% of the company’s history — my only full-time job comes to an end in late June. The memories of the incredible experiences, and the amazing people I have known along the trail have come rushing back. I’m full of gratitude for the front row seat I’ve had for a business journey like no other. With ESPN retirement, I turn to thinking about the future,” Solty wrote on LinkedIn.

“Any ideas on what to do next? I’m open to new possibilities and driven by doing something I’d find interesting (part time/project OK). While I’ve had one job, it sure was varied—PR strategy, media relations, issue management, content creation, editorial, teaching/mentoring/advising, government relations and, outside of work, lots of volunteering including Board Chairman as we transformed Bread for Life (soup kitchen in my town) the past decade. If you want to email me it is now [email protected].

“In the immediate future I will continue to support Teresa, my wife, in her cancer journey. When she beats it we will travel the world and adore our first grandchild (who will arrive any day!) Thanks for this indulgence and, to all of you I know, thanks for being part of the amazing journey. Also thanks to four decades of ESPN colleagues, especially the two people who took a chance on me in 1980, who I remain friends with in 2023, ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen and PR legend Rosa Gatti,” he wrote.