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Disney Names AI a Top Priority for Incoming President and Chief Creative Officer Dana Walden

Board chair James Gorman signaled an efficiency push that must align with guild AI safeguards.

Overview

  • Dana Walden will assume the new President and Chief Creative Officer role on March 18, the same day Josh D’Amaro becomes CEO.
  • Her remit expands beyond streaming to oversee film and TV production across the company, building on her current co-chair role with Alan Bergman.
  • Gorman told Variety that Walden’s focus includes integrating AI into movie production and lifting streaming margins to industry-leading levels.
  • As Chief Creative Officer, she is expected to connect storytelling across merchandise, theme parks, cruises, theaters, and streaming.
  • Disney has not announced who will succeed Walden in her Disney Entertainment/streaming duties, and coverage notes AI adoption will roll out cautiously given 2023 labor agreements.