Utopai Studios Hires Former Disney AI Leader Hans Ku as Product Chief

Nov 3, 2026
Utopai Studios hired former Disney AI executive Hans Ku as chief product officer. He will oversee product, engineering, research, and business development while expanding the studio's PAI production platform.

Utopai Studios hired former Disney AI executive Hans Ku as chief product officer, according to Variety. Ku will report to CEO Cecilia Shen.

Ku will oversee the company's product, engineering, research, and business development teams. He will also expand its AI technology and PAI production platform across its film and television slate, while directing the development of proprietary technology.

Ku previously served as Disney's vice president of AI and engineering in its office of technology enablement. He worked on AI tools and production processes across Disney and helped connect Disney and OpenAI teams during a proposed $1 billion agreement to license Disney characters for the Sora video generator. His earlier roles included positions at Walt Disney Feature Animation and DreamWorks Animation. Utopai raised $60 million last month at a $1 billion valuation, according to Variety.

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