Disney Names Karandeep Anand as First Chief Technology Officer

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 18, 2026

Walt Disney Co. has named Karandeep Anand as its first chief technology officer, tasking him with leading the company's modernization of technology, including AI and data platforms, starting October 2. Anand’s hire, along with the appointment of a new direct-to-consumer chairman, signals Disney’s push to enhance its streaming services and technological infrastructure amid a shifting media environment.

Walt Disney Co. has appointed Karandeep Anand as its first chief technology officer, marking a significant step in the company’s efforts to deepen its integration of technology. Anand, who will also serve as senior executive vice president, is set to begin his tenure on October 2 and will report directly to Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro.

Anand joins Disney following his role as chief executive at Character.AI, a technology start-up known for developing a chatbot platform. The company had previously received a cease-and-desist letter from Disney over the unauthorized use of several of Disney’s intellectual properties, including characters such as Elsa, Moana, Peter Parker, and Darth Vader. Following the letter, Character.AI removed these Disney-related characters from its chatbot options. Disney has indicated that several members of Character.AI’s technical team are expected to transition to Disney alongside Anand.

In his newly created position, Anand will be responsible for modernizing Disney’s technology development and implementation. His remit will include oversight of data and artificial intelligence platforms, enterprise technology, and infrastructure across the company. D’Amaro described Anand as possessing “a rare mix of experience across infrastructure, consumer technology and AI,” highlighting his combined expertise as both a builder and strategist with a strong focus on customer needs.

Anand’s appointment follows another major technology-related hire announced just a day earlier, when Disney named former YouTube executive Adam Smith as chairman of direct-to-consumer for Disney Entertainment. Smith will oversee the company’s global streaming business, focusing on platform strategy, advertising technology, and emerging technological developments.

These appointments reflect Disney’s strategic emphasis on advancing its technological capabilities amid an evolving media landscape, aiming to strengthen its direct-to-consumer offerings and leverage artificial intelligence and data infrastructure to enhance its overall business.

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