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Credit: Inside The MagicThe Walt Disney Company has announced with deep sadness the sudden and unexpected passing of Gail Evans, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital and Technology Officer (CDTO) for Disney Experiences.
Disney and Tech World Mourn the Loss of Visionary Leader Gail Evans
Gail Evans, the Executive Vice President and Chief Digital and Technology Officer (CDTO) for Disney Experiences, was a transformative figure whose innovative approach to digital strategy redefined the Disney guest experience on a global scale.
While details surrounding her passing remain undisclosed, her loss is felt deeply within Disney and the broader technology community, as Evans’s influence reached far beyond her immediate team.
With Walt Disney World Resort and other Disney theme parks in the mix, Evans ensured true love was put into the guest experience through her hard work and determination, working side-by-side with public employees, board members, and others.
Gail Evans, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Disney Experiences, has passed away. Evans joined Disney in 2022 after working at Mercer where she was named the company’s first Global Chief Digital Officer in 2018.
Gail Evans, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Disney Experiences, has passed away.
Evans joined Disney in 2022 after working at Mercer where she was named the company's first Global Chief Digital Officer in 2018. pic.twitter.com/scMSJqRTTa
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) October 30, 2024
Redefining Disney’s Digital Landscape
In her role at Disney, Evans led an extensive, multidisciplinary team of experts in digital, technology, product, data, and operations. These professionals worked under her guidance to implement forward-thinking digital strategies that elevated Disney’s guest experiences worldwide.
Key innovations, like MagicBand+ and Hey Disney!, emerged from her leadership, seamlessly combining digital advancements with Disney’s legendary storytelling to set new standards for interactivity and memorable moments for guests.
Heartfelt Tribute from Disney Leadership
Bob Iger, Disney’s CEO, expressed profound condolences and praised Evans for her leadership and vision. “Gail was a transformative force who reimagined the possibilities of technology in enhancing Disney experiences,” Iger said.
“Her commitment to excellence propelled Disney’s digital innovations in recent years. Gail was also a dedicated mentor, deeply invested in fostering the next generation of tech leaders. Her presence will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.”
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Champion of Inclusivity and Talent Development
Evans’s legacy at Disney extends beyond her technological contributions to her efforts in cultivating talent and advocating for diversity and inclusion. She initiated programs designed to create an inclusive and equitable workplace, ensuring that all voices had a place within Disney’s creative and operational spaces.
This commitment infused new energy into Disney’s talent strategy and provided lasting value to its workforce, building a supportive environment where diverse perspectives could thrive.
An Illustrious Career Spanning Multiple Industries
Before joining Disney, Evans’s career encompassed leading roles across several industries and organizations. She made her mark as Mercer’s first Chief Digital Officer, where she drove digital strategy and growth initiatives, laying the groundwork for the consulting firm’s digital transformation.
Evans also held prominent roles at Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, and Bank of America, each time bringing forward-thinking digital strategies that set these organizations apart in their fields. Her journey began at Eastman Kodak Company, where she first saw the transformative potential of digital innovation in reshaping industries.
A Legacy of Recognition and Achievement
Throughout her career, Evans received numerous accolades for her visionary leadership, innovation, and influence within the digital landscape. She was a finalist for the MIT Sloan CIO Leadership Award in 2019, a prestigious honor recognizing outstanding CIOs globally.
In 2018, she received the Phenom Award from the Digital Diversity Network, recognizing her as a trailblazer in digital media and technology. Her influence was further affirmed when she was named one of the Top 100 Chief Digital Officers by Hewlett Packard and recognized among the Top 100 Women in Tech in 2023.
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In 2024, her leadership earned her a place in the InspiringFifty UK, an honor that celebrates top women in tech who are driving industry change. Additionally, her dedication to innovation and mentorship was showcased in the Netflix documentary series Working: What We Do All Day, where she was featured as an inspiring leader committed to guiding others in their professional journeys.
Educational Foundations and a Commitment to Mentorship
Evans held a bachelor’s degree from Nazareth College, an MBA from the University of Rochester’s Simon Business School, and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Nazareth College. A lifelong advocate for women in technology, she dedicated substantial time to mentoring young female leaders in STEM fields, helping pave the way for future generations.
Beyond Disney, her influence extended through her active involvement with MIT’s Center for Information Systems Research (CISR), where she helped bridge the gap between academic research and practical technology applications.
Creating a Culture of Continuous Innovation
At the House of Mouse, Evans fostered a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging her team to explore, innovate, and experiment. Her approach to product development was lab-like, emphasizing real-world testing and feedback from Disney consumers and cast members.
This ensured that each new technology aligned with guest expectations while honoring Disney’s commitment to storytelling, a core value that guided her efforts to bring Disney magic to life through technology.
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A Lasting Disney Legacy
As the news of Evans’s passing spread, tributes poured in from industry colleagues, mentees, and Disney fans around the world. Many honor her not only as a tech visionary but as a compassionate leader who made a lasting impact on those she mentored and inspired.
Her contributions to Disney and the broader technology field leave a profound legacy, one that will continue to shape the industry and inspire future leaders.
Disney extends its deepest condolences to Gail Evans’s family, friends, and all whose lives she touched through her work, mentorship, and leadership. In tribute to her legacy, the House of Mouse plans to uphold her commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and mentorship—a testament to her transformative vision, resilience, and unwavering dedication to excellence.