Some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site.
Disney Executive Confirms Layoffs and Automation Plans as Company Reshapes Workforce
More changes appear to be coming to The Walt Disney Company as one of its top executives has told employees that his division will become “much smaller,” with staffing cuts, automation, outsourcing, and other changes all being considered.
Related: Dates Announced for Disneyland Holiday Character Dining-Reservations Open Soon
Horacio Gutierrez, Disney’s Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Global Affairs Officer, reportedly sent a memo on September 18 to the company’s Legal and Global Affairs division, which includes nearly 1,000 employees. According to Deadline, Gutierrez told employees the department is undergoing a transformation as new technology changes how work is performed across legal, government relations, operations, and other areas of the company.
Among the changes being considered are automating certain workflows using new technologies, expanding self-service options, using alternative legal providers, increasing shared services, and potentially outsourcing some work. Gutierrez said the company is examining how work can be completed more efficiently and at a lower cost, including a review of staffing and other investments.
For employees, the memo makes clear that the transformation will have a human impact. Gutierrez said the Legal and Global Affairs organization will eventually be “much smaller” than it is today and acknowledged that some employees will personally be affected by decisions made during the process. The changes within his division are reportedly separate from another anticipated round of Disney layoffs that could affect human resources, product and technology, and other operational departments.
Gutierrez framed the changes as part of Disney’s broader effort to reduce costs while freeing up money for content, guest experiences, and technology. He also referenced CEO Josh D’Amaro’s vision for a Disney that breaks down internal barriers and embraces technology rather than continuing to operate as it has in the past.
The timing is particularly notable. The memo was sent the same day Disney announced Karandeep Anand as its first Chief Technology Officer. Anand previously served as CEO of Character.AI, further signaling the growing role technology and artificial intelligence could play across Disney’s operations.
Exactly how many positions will ultimately be eliminated, which jobs will be affected, and how extensively Disney will use AI or other technologies to automate existing work remain unclear. What is clear from Gutierrez’s message is that Disney’s corporate transformation is continuing, and its workforce is likely to look different as the company puts more emphasis on technology, efficiency, and new ways of working.
Related: Apple TV Announces New Snoopy and Fraggle Rock Holiday Specials
While these changes are happening behind the scenes at Disney, there is still plenty of magic waiting for guests in the parks. If you are planning a Walt Disney World vacation, our partners at Get Away Today can help take some of the work out of planning your next trip.
