Disney and the broader tech community are mourning the loss of Gail Evans, Disney’s Executive Vice President and Chief Digital and Technology Officer (CDTO), whose groundbreaking work redefined the company’s digital experience.
Remembering Gail Evans: A Disney Digital Visionary and Trailblazer Passes Away
Details surrounding her passing remain private, but her contributions to the company and the digital world leave a lasting legacy. 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
Championing Digital Innovation at Disney
As Disney’s CDTO, Evans led a multi-disciplinary team of experts, driving forward Disney’s digital and technology strategies globally. Her leadership saw the creation of tools like MagicBand+ and Hey Disney!—two initiatives that seamlessly blend the physical and digital worlds to bring Disney’s storytelling to life. Through these innovations, Evans helped set a new industry benchmark, crafting immersive, interactive experiences that enhance the Disney experience for millions of guests worldwide.
An Outpouring of Respect from Disney Leadership
Disney CEO Bob Iger reflected on Evans’s transformative impact, describing her as a leader of profound influence and vision. “Gail was a force of nature in her ability to envision technology’s role in enhancing Disney experiences,” Iger shared. “Her passion for innovation and excellence set new standards in our digital space. Beyond her role, she was a dedicated mentor, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of working with her.”
A Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Mentorship
Evans was known not only for her technical achievements but also for her commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace. She led initiatives to promote diversity within Disney’s digital and operational teams, ensuring that a wide range of voices shaped the company’s future. Her mentorship programs were designed to support young talent, giving them the opportunity to grow within a culture that values inclusivity, creativity, and collaboration.
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A Career Spanning Global Industries
Evans’s journey to Disney included pivotal roles at top organizations across industries. As Mercer’s inaugural Chief Digital Officer, she was instrumental in laying the foundation for the firm’s digital strategies. Her time at companies such as Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, and Bank of America allowed her to build a reputation as a forward-thinking digital strategist. Beginning her career at Eastman Kodak Company, Evans saw firsthand how digital transformation could redefine an entire industry—a lesson that continued to guide her throughout her professional life.
Industry Honors Celebrating Evans’s Leadership
Evans’s innovative work earned her recognition in the tech and digital sectors worldwide. Among her many accolades, she was a 2019 finalist for the MIT Sloan CIO Leadership Award, an honor given to outstanding CIOs across industries. She was also celebrated as a 2018 Phenom Award recipient from the Digital Diversity Network and was named one of the Top 100 Chief Digital Officers. In 2023, Evans was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Tech, and this year, her achievements led to her inclusion in InspiringFifty UK, an honor for the most impactful women in technology. Her journey and passion for mentorship were also highlighted in the Netflix documentary series Working: What We Do All Day.
Educational and Professional Dedication to the Next Generation
Evans held a bachelor’s degree from Nazareth College, an MBA from the University of Rochester’s Simon Business School, and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Nazareth College. Beyond her formal roles, she dedicated time to mentoring women in technology and regularly collaborated with the MIT Center for Information Systems Research (CISR), where she bridged academic research with practical tech applications.
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Fostering a Culture of Exploration and Innovation
Throughout her career, Evans fostered a lab-like approach within her teams, encouraging continuous learning, testing, and user feedback. Disney consumers and cast members were invited to engage in product testing, ensuring each innovation was grounded in guest expectations and aligned with Disney’s storytelling standards. This approach created a cycle of feedback that consistently enhanced Disney’s digital products and services, bringing meaningful and lasting value to guests.
Honoring Gail Evans’s Legacy
The tech and entertainment industries, along with Disney fans around the world, have shared tributes honoring Evans as both a technological pioneer and a compassionate leader. Her dedication to advancing technology, paired with her unwavering focus on mentorship and inclusion, has left a mark on Disney’s culture and will inspire the tech community for years to come.
Disney offers its deepest condolences to Evans’s family, friends, and all those impacted by her work. In her memory, the company plans to continue her mission of innovation, inclusivity, and leadership, a testament to Evans’s lasting influence on the Disney legacy and beyond.
