WorkThe story, in brief
Disney’s first CTO led an AI startup it once accused of copying its characters
Disney's new CTO once led the AI startup Disney sued for character copying. The company is betting on the person it accused.
The KeyNews take
Why it matters
A notable people move that signals Disney's strategic shift toward AI leadership, despite prior legal conflict. Reflects broader corporate trend of hiring from AI-native companies to accelerate internal transformation.
The key facts
7 to knowDisney appoints first-ever CTO
Former CEO of Character.AI hired
Disney previously sent cease-and-desist to Character.AI over character copying
Published September 18, 2026
Former Character.AI CEO appointed as Disney's first CTO
Disney previously issued cease-and-desist to Character.AI over character IP concerns
Signals Disney's strategic pivot toward AI leadership recruitment
Go to the source
TechCrunch AItechcrunch.com
Publisher excerpt: The former CEO of Character.AI, which Disney previously sent a cease-and-desist letter to, will serve as the company's first-ever chief technology officer.