Disney Establishes Group to Oversee AI, Mixed Reality Technology

Disney has created a new strategic group to manage and coordinate how the company develops and deploys next-generation tech — like artificial intelligence and mixed reality — and to do it in a “responsible” manner.

The company tapped Jamie Voris, who has served as chief technology officer of Walt Disney Studios for 14 years, to head up the newly formed Disney Office of Technology Enablement. Voris, in the new role, will report to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman, who announced the creation of the group in an internal memo Friday.

“Our ability to remain at the forefront of technological advances will only be more critical as we move forward — making it all the more important to understand and embrace new technological shifts in ways that enable our people, creativity and business,” Bergman said in the memo, obtained by Variety.

The Office of Technology Enablement (OTE) is intended to ensure Disney is “a progressive, innovative and responsible leader” in AI and mixed reality, per Bergman’s memo. The group is aimed at positioning Disney as a leader in formulating industry best practices. Voris and his team will work with other technology teams spanning the company, including at Disney Entertainment, ESPN and the Disney Experiences theme parks division.

“The pace and scope of advances in AI and XR [extended reality] are profound and will continue to impact consumer experiences, creative endeavors, and our business for years to come — making it critical that Disney explore the exciting opportunities and navigate the potential risks,” Bergman wrote.

Disney’s Office of Technology Enablement team “will have accountability to all our business segments and partner closely with leaders across the company,” Bergman wrote. The new group is not intended to “take over or centralize” AI or mixed reality projects that individual business units are working, he added. Rather, the goal is to make sure next-gen tech initiatives are line with “our goals and values,” and “drive outcomes with greater agility, velocity, and consistency,” according to Bergman.

Eddie Drake, who has been head of technology at Marvel Studios, is assuming the role of CTO at Walt Disney Studios.

The news about Disney’s new next-generation technology group was first reported by Reuters.