Disney Appoints First CTO and Restructures Streaming Leadership

The Walt Disney Company is executing a broad technological and leadership overhaul to modernize its infrastructure and centralize streaming operations. The Walt Disney Company appointed Karandeep Anand as its first-ever companywide Chief Technology Officer and senior executive vice president, effective October 2. Reporting directly to CEO Josh D'Amaro, Anand—formerly the CEO of AI startup Character.AI—will oversee enterprise technology, data, and AI platforms as part of a "One Disney" initiative to integrate technology with creativity across streaming, parks, and storytelling.

Simultaneously, the company restructured its direct-to-consumer (DTC) business to accelerate decision-making. Adam Smith, previously a co-president of DTC, was named chairman of direct-to-consumer for Disney Entertainment. Smith now holds sole oversight of Disney+ and Hulu, including product, engineering, and programming strategy, with the goal of making Disney+ the company's digital centerpiece. Joe Earley, who previously shared leadership of the DTC business, transitioned to the new role of president of Disney Entertainment Television franchise and content strategy.

As part of these changes, Eric Schrier stepped down as head of DTC international originals to launch a production company through a partnership with Disney Entertainment Television. Schrier, a 26-year veteran of the company, cited a desire to return to his creative roots and reduce the administrative burdens of his international role. To further attract younger audiences, Disney also entered a content-sharing agreement with TikTok to bring curated short-form videos to Disney+.