As Executive Vice President and Chief Digital and Technology Officer (CDTO) for Disney Experiences, Gail Evans leads a global multi-disciplinary team of digital, technology, product, data, and operations professionals focused on the development, and implementation of digital and technology strategies for Disney Experiences businesses around the world.
In addition to delivering innovative technology solutions, the team produces a growing portfolio of products and experiences like MagicBand+ and Hey Disney!, bringing the digital and physical together and extending Disney’s legendary storytelling into a boundless future. The evolution of these new products comes from Gail’s focus on innovation that enhances the guest experience — from advancements in research techniques and a lab environment where explorations are continually tested by Disney consumers and cast members. Gail brings decades of experience transforming leading organizations by leveraging the power of technology to drive growth, effect digital transformation, and build new business models. She most recently served as Mercer’s first Chief Digital Officer and prior to Mercer, Gail held senior leadership positions spanning various industries, including Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, Bank of America, and several positions at Eastman Kodak Company, including CIO of Eastman Kodak’s Consumer Digital business.
In recognition of these achievements and others, in May 2019, Gail was selected as a finalist for the MIT Sloan CIO Leadership Award. In November 2018, Gail received the Phenom Award from the Digital Diversity Network, which honors trailblazers in the digital media and technology sectors. She was also recognized as one of the Top 100 Chief Digital Officers by her peers at hottopics.ht and Hewlett Packard and as one of the Top 100 Women in Tech Leaders to watch in 2023. Gail’s career journey was featured in the Netflix documentary series Working: What We Do All Day and in 2024, she was recognized as an InspiringFifty UK recipient, celebrating the top 50 women who are driving results in tech careers across the UK.
Gail holds a bachelor’s degree from Nazareth College and an MBA from the University of Rochester’s Simon Business School. She also proudly holds an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Nazareth College.
In addition to her formal responsibilities, Gail is passionate about using her time mentoring the next generation of women leaders in technology and leading programs that build a more inclusive workplace for all. She also is passionate about connecting academic research with real-world practice and is actively involved with MIT’s Center for Information Systems Research (CISR).