Disney Names First-Ever CTO, Formerly Head of AI Startup It Once Challenged Legally

The Walt Disney Company has named its first-ever chief technology officer, according to a report published by TechCrunch on Thursday. The executive selected for the newly created role previously served as chief executive of Character.AI, an artificial intelligence startup that Disney had earlier accused of improperly using its characters, the report said.

According to TechCrunch, Disney had sent a cease-and-desist letter to Character.AI in the past over concerns related to the unauthorized use of the entertainment giant's intellectual property. The report did not specify the exact nature or timing of that earlier dispute.

TechCrunch reported that the appointment marks the creation of a new executive position within Disney, suggesting the company is placing greater emphasis on technology leadership as artificial intelligence tools become more prevalent across the entertainment industry.

The report did not provide additional details on the executive's specific responsibilities in the new role, the timeline of the appointment, or whether the earlier legal dispute between Disney and Character.AI had been resolved. Disney and Character.AI have not issued public statements addressing the appointment beyond what was included in the TechCrunch report.

Character.AI, the startup previously led by the newly appointed Disney executive, develops AI-powered chatbot technology that allows users to create and interact with digital personas, including characters modeled on those from popular media franchises. Disney's past objection to the startup centered on the use of its copyrighted characters within that platform, according to the report.

Further details about the appointment, including the executive's name and start date, were not fully specified in the available reporting.