Disney has named Karandeep Anand as its first ever chief technology officer. Anand was until now the CEO of the chatbot company Character.AI. He will report to Disney's recently appointed CEO, Josh D'Amaro.
Anand will lead Disney's teams for infrastructure, product, engineering and data and AI. The company said the hire marks a new push into technology. It is the first time Disney has created this role, despite being a huge media firm. The move comes as Disney works out how to use AI in its business.
🔍 The Backstory
The hire is a surprise. Only a year ago Disney sent cease-and-desist letters to Character.AI. It accused the startup of using its copyrighted characters without permission. Disney had also partnered with OpenAI, but that deal has since fallen apart.
Anand led Character.AI for just over a year. During that time the firm pushed into short-form drama. Disney owns film studios, TV networks, streaming and theme parks. Bringing in a chatbot boss shows how much AI now matters to entertainment.
🎯 Why It Matters
Disney makes films, shows and parks that millions enjoy. Its AI choices could change how entertainment is made and how its workers do their jobs.
Disney has named Karandeep Anand as its first ever chief technology officer. Anand was until now the CEO of the chatbot company Character.AI. He will report to Disney's recently appointed CEO, Josh D'Amaro.
Anand will lead Disney's teams for infrastructure, product, engineering and data and AI. The company said the hire marks a new push into technology. It is the first time Disney has created this role, despite being a huge media firm. The move comes as Disney works out how to use AI in its business.
The hire is a surprise. Only a year ago Disney sent cease-and-desist letters to Character.AI. It accused the startup of using its copyrighted characters without permission. Disney had also partnered with OpenAI, but that deal has since fallen apart.
Anand led Character.AI for just over a year. During that time the firm pushed into short-form drama. Disney owns film studios, TV networks, streaming and theme parks. Bringing in a chatbot boss shows how much AI now matters to entertainment.
Disney makes films, shows and parks that millions enjoy. Its AI choices could change how entertainment is made and how its workers do their jobs.