Disney names its first CTO, a former AI chief it accused of copying characters

Disney announced on Sept. 18, 2026 that Karandeep Anand will become its first chief technology officer, effective Oct. 2, 2026. Anand, most recently CEO of Character.AI, will hold the title Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, a newly created role. The Verge notes the appointment is notable because Disney has not previously had a CTO.

TechCrunch and Engadget point out the backstory: Disney once sent Character.AI a cease-and-desist letter accusing the company of copying Disney characters. Anand's hiring therefore brings in a leader from a startup that Disney had targeted over intellectual property concerns.

CNBC frames the move as part of Disney's broader tech push under CEO Josh D'Amaro. The sources agree on the basic facts; the main difference is emphasis, with some outlets focusing on the legal history and others on the significance of the first CTO appointment.