Disney Hires Former Character.AI CEO as First CTO Amid AI Push

The Walt Disney Company has appointed Karandeep Anand as its first-ever Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective October 2, 2026. Anand previously served as CEO of Character.AI, a generative AI platform that allows users to create and interact with virtual AI-powered characters.

In September 2025, Disney sent Character.AI a cease-and-desist letter accusing the company of copyright infringement related to characters from Disney-owned properties. However, after removing the disputed content, Anand is now joining Disney in one of its most senior technology positions.

As CTO, Anand will oversee several major technology functions across the company, including enterprise technology, infrastructure, data, AI platforms, product development, and engineering. He will also work with technology teams across Disney's businesses to modernize the company's digital products, infrastructure, and technology strategy.