WorkSeptember 18, 2026via TechCrunch AI
Disney’s first CTO led an AI startup it once accused of copying its characters
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.
Key signals
- Disney 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
The hook
Disney's new CTO once led the AI startup Disney sued for character copying. The company is betting on the person it accused.
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.