Gail Evans Obituary: Gail Evans, Beloved and Trailblazing Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Disney Experiences, Dies Unexpectedly in Orlando, Florida — Remembering the Inspiring Legacy, Pioneering Achievements, and Lifelong Dedication of a Visionary Leader Who Transformed the Digital World and Left an Indelible Mark on Disney and Beyond”
Gail Evans, the highly respected Executive Vice President and Chief Digital and Technology Officer (CDTO) at Disney Experiences, has sadly passed away unexpectedly in Orlando, Florida, after a brief illness. Her untimely passing has left her family, friends, colleagues, and countless admirers grappling with the deep and sudden void left by a leader who revolutionized the intersection of technology and digital experiences. Known for her visionary spirit, innovative drive, and unflagging dedication, Gail was a remarkable leader who spearheaded numerous pioneering initiatives at Disney that touched the lives of millions worldwide. Born and raised in Orlando, Gail’s journey to become one of the most influential digital leaders was shaped by her passion for technological advancement and storytelling, along with a devotion to bringing unforgettable experiences to Disney’s global audience.
The family confirmed Gail’s passing, sharing that she died surrounded by loved ones. She was a graduate of the University of Rochester-Simon Business School and Nazareth University, which laid the foundation for her outstanding career. Gail’s influence was felt not only within Disney but throughout the entire tech industry, where she became a respected mentor, innovator, and celebrated role model. Her journey took her through pivotal roles in prominent companies like Mercer, Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, Bank of America, and Eastman Kodak, where she served as CIO of Eastman Kodak’s Consumer Digital business. In each role, she demonstrated her ability to transform organizations by implementing technology to drive business growth and digital transformation.
In her most recent role at Disney, Gail Evans guided a talented team of technologists, designers, project managers, innovators, and storytellers. Together, they launched a range of groundbreaking products that merged Disney’s beloved narratives with cutting-edge technology. Through projects such as MagicBand+ and Hey Disney!, Gail and her team were able to merge the digital and physical worlds, expanding the scope of Disney’s iconic storytelling and setting the stage for what Disney’s immersive experiences could look like in the future. Her commitment to improving the visitor experience was unwavering, and her work has been instrumental in advancing Disney’s digital presence. These products, inspired by rigorous research and developed in Disney’s state-of-the-art labs, represented Gail’s dedication to innovation. Her ability to foresee technological trends and merge them seamlessly with Disney’s legacy has left an everlasting impact on the company and its fans.
Gail’s work earned her numerous accolades throughout her career. She was named a finalist for the MIT Sloan CIO Leadership Award in May 2019, highlighting her exceptional contributions to digital leadership. Additionally, she won the Digital Diversity Network’s Phenom Award in November 2018, which celebrates individuals who have made groundbreaking strides in digital media and technology. Gail’s professional journey was further celebrated in the Netflix documentary series Working: What We Do All Day, which showcased her inspiring path and profound influence on digital transformation. In 2024, she was named an InspiringFifty UK recipient, a prestigious honor recognizing her as one of the top 50 women driving impactful change within the tech industry.
Her colleagues and friends remember her as a kind-hearted, compassionate individual with a fierce commitment to empowering those around her. Her positive impact extended beyond her career achievements; she was a mentor to many young professionals, an advocate for diversity in tech, and a trailblazer who broke barriers for women in leadership roles. Known for her humility and generosity, Gail was always ready to lend a helping hand or offer words of encouragement to those following in her footsteps. Her legacy as a role model and advocate for inclusion in tech will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.
Gail’s influence in the industry extended beyond Disney, as she held significant leadership positions across various sectors, including technology, finance, and digital transformation. At Mercer, she made history as the company’s first Chief Digital Officer, where she led initiatives that transformed the organization’s digital landscape. Her time at Microsoft and Hewlett Packard further solidified her reputation as a visionary leader capable of driving growth through technological innovation. Her ability to adapt to the rapidly evolving tech landscape made her a respected figure and earned her a lasting place among the top industry leaders.
While her accomplishments in the tech world were numerous, Gail also deeply valued the importance of family, friendship, and personal connection. Those closest to her describe her as a loyal friend, a devoted family member, and someone who found joy in sharing her life with the people she loved. Her compassionate nature was evident in the way she led her teams, always prioritizing their growth and well-being. She believed that fostering a supportive work environment was just as important as achieving business success, and her teams admired her for this empathy-driven leadership approach.
Following her unexpected passing, tributes from friends, family, and colleagues have poured in on social media, with many expressing how much she meant to them both personally and professionally. Her family has announced that the details of her obituary and funeral arrangements will be shared at a later date, allowing the community to pay their respects and honor the incredible legacy that Gail leaves behind.
As the tech industry and the Disney family mourn her loss, they will also remember and celebrate Gail’s life as one that transformed countless lives. Her work has left an indelible mark on the digital landscape, and her legacy will continue to inspire innovation, creativity, and kindness for years to come.
