Disney Prepares for AI-Driven Layoffs: Company Warns of 'Hard Choices' Ahead

The Walt Disney Company has warned of upcoming layoffs in an internal memo from Chief Legal Officer Horacio Gutierrez. The memo suggests that the company will be increasing its use of artificial intelligence (AI) and making 'hard choices' about resource allocation, including staffing investments.

The tone of the memo implies a reduction in employees over the next several years, although specific plans have not been shared by the company yet.

This warning comes on the heels of Disney's announcement that Karandeep Anand will be starting as the company's first Chief Technology Officer, a decision that many felt was due to the increased use of AI. The company also recently launched a voluntary early retirement program for certain executives in an effort to cut costs.