Walt Disney Co. has established a new division, the Office of Technology Enablement, to oversee its efforts in adopting emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and mixed reality. This move signals Disney’s commitment to integrating these advancements across its media empire, from films and television to its globally celebrated theme parks.
Heading the newly formed division is Jamie Voris, Disney’s current chief technology officer for its film studio, who previously played a pivotal role in developing Disney’s app for the Apple Vision Pro, a mixed-reality device. Eddie Drake is set to succeed Voris as the studio’s CTO, according to an internal email obtained by Reuters.
“The pace and scope of the advances in AI and XR (extended reality) are profound and will continue to impact consumer experiences, creative endeavors, and our businesses for years to come,” wrote Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman in the email. He emphasized that the new office would not centralize all related projects but rather ensure they align with Disney’s broader strategic goals.
With an initial leadership team in place, the Office of Technology Enablement is expected to grow to approximately 100 employees, a source familiar with the plans disclosed. This follows Disney’s recent creation of a task force to evaluate the potential impact of AI across its operations.
The company has been actively expanding its expertise in emerging tech applications such as augmented reality, which overlays digital elements onto the physical world, virtual reality that offers immersive digital experiences, and mixed reality, blending both. In March, Disney veteran Kyle Laughlin rejoined as senior vice president of research and development for Walt Disney Imagineering, bringing extensive experience in augmented reality, virtual reality, and AI.
Disney’s initiative comes amid a new wave of consumer tech, including lightweight augmented reality glasses recently unveiled by companies like Meta and Snap. These innovations are reshaping the market, with around 1.7 million AR/VR headsets sold this year alone. Meta currently holds a dominant 60.5% share but is facing increasing competition from Sony, Apple, and ByteDance, with Google hinting at a possible return to this arena as well.
As Disney continues to position itself at the forefront of technological innovation, the Office of Technology Enablement highlights its dedication to enhancing consumer experiences and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
