Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Disney Names Karandeep Anand Its First-Ever Chief Technology Officer
Disney hired Karandeep Anand to become its first chief technology officer.
A chief technology officer helps manage a company’s technology plans and teams.
Anand will start on October 2, 2026, and report to Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro.
He will oversee computers, infrastructure, data, artificial intelligence and digital products across Disney.
Before Disney, he was the CEO of Character.AI.
He also worked at Microsoft, Meta and Brex.
Anand studied computer science at the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad, and later earned a certification from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Disney says technology should help its creative businesses and connect fans with its stories.
Disney and Character.AI previously disagreed over Disney characters appearing on the AI platform, but Character.AI removed them and Anand is now joining Disney.
The Walt Disney Company appointed Karandeep Anand as its first chief technology officer.
Anand will become senior executive vice president and CTO on October 2, 2026, reporting to CEO Josh D’Amaro.
He will oversee enterprise technology, infrastructure, data and AI platforms, product development and engineering.
Anand previously led Character.AI and held senior roles at Microsoft, Meta and Brex.
His appointment follows a 2025 dispute in which Disney accused Character.AI of using Disney-owned characters without authorization.
- Who
- The Walt Disney Company appointed technology executive Karandeep Anand, who will report to CEO Josh D’Amaro.
- What
- Disney created its first chief technology officer role and appointed Anand as senior executive vice president and CTO.
- When
- Disney announced the appointment on September 18; Anand is scheduled to start on October 2, 2026.
- Where
- Anand will oversee technology teams and operations across Disney’s businesses, including its digital and enterprise operations.
- Why
- Disney said it wants to strengthen technology, data and artificial intelligence while supporting creativity, growth and connections with fans.
Disney’s Position
Character.AI’s Position
Use of Disney Characters
Disney’s Position
Disney accused Character.AI of blatantly infringing its copyrights and sent a cease-and-desist letter demanding removal of Disney characters.
Character.AI’s Position
Character.AI removed Disney characters from its service after receiving Disney’s letter; the articles do not provide a detailed public rebuttal from Character.AI.
Technology’s Role at Disney
Disney’s Position
Disney says technology, data and AI should serve creativity, strengthen its businesses and help connect fans with its stories and characters.
Character.AI’s Position
Anand emphasized combining technology with entertainment and described Disney’s creative and technological capabilities as complementary.
- Appointee
- Karandeep Anand
- Position
- Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer
- Start date
- October 2, 2026
- Reports to
- Josh D’Amaro, Disney CEO
- Responsibilities
- Enterprise technology, infrastructure, data and AI platforms, product development and engineering
- Previous role
- Chief executive officer of Character.AI
- Education
- Computer science degree from the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad, plus a marketing and strategy certification from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management
Sources
Disney has hired veteran technology executive Karandeep Anand as its first chief technology officer: Who is he?
Disney’s new tech boss is an IIIT Hyderabad Grad: Meet Karandeep Anand, company’s first-ever CTO
