Charles Fink

Charlie Fink writes a weekly technology column for Forbes focused on AI & XR and co-hosts its companion podcast, “This Week in XR.” He is the author of the critically acclaimed AR-enabled books Charlie Fink’s Metaverse (2017), and Convergence: How the World Will Be Painted with Data (2019). 

Fink's 40-year career at the intersection of popular culture and technology began at Walt Disney Feature Animation in 1987 where he famously came up with the idea for The Lion King and subsequently became the studio’s youngest creative vice president. 

Fink’s work in technology began in 1992 when he joined Tim Disney’s pioneering location-based VR company, Virtual World Entertainment, as its COO. In 1995, AOL recruited Fink to be senior vice president and chief creative officer of AOL Studios (1995-1999). He was also president of American Greetings Interactive and Blue Mountain (2000-2004). Fink’s other experience includes exits from several startups and running the New York Musical Festival.

In addition to Chapman, Fink teaches at Arizona State University’s Los Angeles-based Narrative and Emerging Media graduate program.