Business & Finance
Disney hires former Character.AI executive Karandeep Anand as its first chief technology officer
The company created the new role to lead enterprise technology, artificial intelligence, and infrastructure.
The short version
- Disney appointed former Character.AI chief executive Karandeep Anand as its senior executive vice president and chief technology officer, starting October 2.[CNBC · Variety]
- Anand will oversee Disney's enterprise technology, infrastructure, data, artificial intelligence platforms, product, and engineering teams, reporting directly to CEO Josh D'Amaro.[CNBC · Variety · Business Insider]
- The hiring follows a copyright dispute last year in which Disney sent a cease-and-desist letter to Character.AI, prompting the startup to remove unauthorized Disney characters.[Variety]
- Members of Character.AI's technical team are also expected to join Disney alongside Anand.[CNBC · Variety]
Key facts
- Karandeep Anand was named Disney's first chief technology officer and senior executive vice president, effective October 2.[CNBC · Variety · Business Insider]
- Anand previously served as CEO of AI startup Character.AI.[CNBC · Variety · Business Insider]
- Anand will report directly to Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro.[CNBC · Variety · Business Insider]
- Disney previously issued a cease-and-desist letter to Character.AI over unauthorized use of Disney characters, which the startup complied with.[CNBC · Variety · Business Insider]
- In addition to Anand, several technical staff from Character.AI are expected to join Disney.[CNBC · Variety]
What remains uncertain
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.