Disney appoints Karandeep Anand as first Chief Technology Officer

The Walt Disney Company has appointed Karandeep Anand as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, a newly created role that underscores the company’s growing focus on technology, data and artificial intelligence. The appointment takes effect on 2nd October, with Anand reporting directly to Disney Chief Executive Officer Josh D’Amaro.

Anand joins Disney from Character.AI, where he most recently served as CEO. In his new role, he will oversee enterprise technology, infrastructure, data and AI platforms, product and engineering, while working across Disney’s technology teams to further modernise how the company builds and delivers technology across its businesses.

Announcing the appointment, Josh D’Amaro said: “Karandeep brings a rare mix of experience across infrastructure, consumer technology and AI, and will be a vital addition to Disney’s senior leadership team as we further our three priorities: great storytelling as our North Star, technology in service of creativity, and operating as One Disney.

“He is an expert builder and strategist, technical and product-minded, with sharp instincts for what fans actually want. He also has real enthusiasm and respect for Disney, a clear sense of where technology and creativity meet, and shares our belief that technology creates the most value when it helps people do their best work.”

Disney said a number of technical team members from Character.AI are also expected to join the company. The move comes as D’Amaro sharpens Disney’s focus on technology as a driver of growth, with the company continuing to deepen direct relationships with consumers and position Disney+ as the centrepiece of its digital strategy.

“I’ve admired Disney my entire life for how it blends unforgettable storytelling with the latest technology to constantly push the boundaries of what entertainment can be,” Anand said. “I’m honored to join a team with such extraordinary creative talent, and I look forward to building on the company’s impressive technology capabilities to help Disney connect fans worldwide with its beloved stories and characters in new and innovative ways.”

The appointment marks the first time Disney has created a company-wide Chief Technology Officer position, placing technology and AI development at the heart of its next phase of growth.