By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Falcon’s Beyond Global has promoted its long-standing employee, Saham Ali, to serve as its first chief technology officer (CTO).
Formally working as the company’s EVP of technology, Ali has been instrumental in shaping the technological initiatives and overall business operations of Falcon’s Beyond.
“Technology is the heartbeat of immersive storytelling,” said Falcon’s Beyond CEO, Cecil D. Magpuri. “I have worked closely with Saham for over a decade, and he has been a driving force behind our product offerings in XR and real-time graphics pipelines. As well, he has continued to be a leader in the industry by successfully leveraging the latest technological platforms to power next-generation attractions,” added Magpuri. “His leadership has also optimized complex creative workflows, integrated enterprise IT with robotics and media systems, and introduced efficiencies across global production environments.”
In his newly-created role as CTO, he will continue to implement technology strategies across the company’s portfolio of themed entertainment experiences and interactive attractions.
This includes initiatives to advance the company’s products in areas like real-time rendering, robotics, ride systems, extended reality (XR), generative AI, connected experiences and more.
“In this extended role, Saham will ensure that we are in the best position to deliver unique experiences for our customers and set new standards in the themed entertainment and interactive attractions industry.”
Saham has close to 25 years of experience working in the production and technology sector.
Prior to joining Falcon’s Beyond, he developed his skills by working with entertainment studios to assist in the production of TV series and films like Hawaii Five-0, Outsourced, Star Trek: New Voyages and Red Tails.
Ali has presented his insights at major industry events such as INFOCOMM, IAAPA Expo, NAB Show, Synapse Orlando and Techonomy.
In addition, his works have been featured in prominent publications such as 3D World, POST Magazine, Orlando Business Journal, InPark Magazine and Theme Park Insider.
Ali serves as an active member of several trade organizations including the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), Visual Effects Society (VES) and SIGGRAPH.
“I am honored to continue to provide strategic oversight for Falcon’s technology evolution,” said Saham Ali. “In my extended role, I will build on our efforts to align technology with the vision that Cecil has outlined for Falcon’s global strategy. I am excited to create a pathway to advance platforms like ÄEONXP, our loyalty and engagement ecosystem, and continue to push the boundaries of what may be possible in immersive entertainment.”
Falcon’s Beyond is a global entertainment, consumer experience and technology company that develops IP through its core business units: Falcon’s Creative Group, Falcon’s Beyond Destinations, and Falcon’s Beyond Brands.
The company endeavors to bring brands and intellectual property to life through themed entertainment, animation, movies, licensing, merchandising, gaming and ride technology.
Image Credit: Photo of Saham Ali courtesy of Falcon’s Beyond Global.
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