Disney World is in mourning following the unexpected loss of its Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Gail Evans.
Key Takeaways
- Gail Evans, the Executive Vice President and CDTO of Walt Disney passed away.
- There has been no disclosure about the reason for her demise.
- She holds experience working at Mercer, Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, Bank of America, and Eastman Kodak.
On October 30, Disney insider journalist Scott Gustin took to social media platform X to announce the untimely passing of Gail Evans, the innovative force behind Disney’s digital transformation efforts.
However, there has been no disclosure about the cause of her demise.
“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.”
Via X (Formerly Twitter)
Gail Evans, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Disney Experiences, has passed away.
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) October 30, 2024
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
Known for her innovative impact in the digital and technology sector, Evans joined Disney in 2022 after a groundbreaking tenure at Mercer, where she served as the company’s first Global Chief Digital Officer.
As Disney’s CDTO, Evans led a global team of digital, data, product, and operations professionals, driving forward Disney’s digital strategies for an immersive guest experience.
Furthermore, her work extended beyond mere technology integration; she was a visionary who propelled Disney’s digital and physical experiences to new heights.
Under her guidance, the team developed iconic products such as MagicBand+ and Hey Disney!, which seamlessly integrated storytelling with advanced technology, providing guests with an enriched, interactive experience that brought Disney’s legacy into a modern, interconnected future.
Gail Evans’ Educational Background And Career Achievements
With 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, Evans was a passionate advocate for women in STEM.
She dedicated considerable time to mentoring young female leaders, striving to pave a path for future generations in tech.
Beyond her work at Disney, Evans extended her influence through her involvement with MIT’s Center for Information Systems Research (CISR), where she played a vital role in connecting academic research with practical technology applications.
Before her time at Disney, Evans held executive roles at major corporations, including Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, Bank of America, and Eastman Kodak.
With a deep-rooted passion for digital transformation, Gail Evans inspired teams to pursue groundbreaking advancements in digital strategy and product development.
As a result of her remarkable contributions, she received prestigious recognitions, such as the Phenom Award from the Digital Diversity Network in 2018.
Additionally, she was a finalist for the MIT Sloan CIO Leadership Award in 2019, underscoring her influence in the tech industry.
Moreover, recently in 2024, she was celebrated as an InspiringFifty UK recipient, honoring her as one of the top women driving innovation in tech.
Through her dedication, Evans not only shaped Disney’s digital landscape but also inspired countless professionals in the tech industry.
Her achievements will leave an indelible mark on Disney’s experiences, blending the art of storytelling with the science of digital innovation.
Her legacy is sure to continue influencing the path of technology and creativity for years to come.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Recently, her inspiring career story was featured in the Netflix 2024 documentary Working: What We Do All Day.
- She was recognized among the Top 100 Chief Digital Officers by Hewlett Packard in 2023.
