2010 higlights v7_Profiles 10/13/10 9:37 AM Page 44
Disney Cruise Line Ozer Balli ~ Vice President, Hotel Operations Since August 2003, Balli has been responsible for hotel operations for Disney Cruise Line fleet, including food and beverage operations, lodging, guest services, stateroom accommodations, laundry, spa, photography, merchandise and operating participants, as well as the operation of Disney’s private island Castaway Cay. In addition, he also oversees labor scheduling and integration as well as the purchasing and logistics departments ashore. Balli previously served as hotel director for Disney Cruise Line, responsible for the administration and operation of the shipboard hotel departments. Before joining the Disney team, Balli served as food and beverage manager and hotel manager for Royal Caribbean International (RCI). He also helped launch five RCI vessels in various domestic and international markets. Born in Istanbul in 1961, Balli earned his Bachelor Degree in Hotel and Business Administration from the Institute Hotelier Ritz. He currently resides in Celebration, Fla.
Russell Daya ~ Director, Marine, Port, Security Operations and Maritime Affairs Russell Daya is director of marine, port, security operations and maritime affairs for Disney Cruise Line. He also serves as the company’s security officer. Russell provides operational direction and support to the Disney Cruise Line ships on safety, security, environmental, and navigational issues. His responsibilities also include worldwide port operations, vessel deployments, itinerary planning, government and port relations. He joined Disney Cruise Line in 1998 as the manager of marine operations. From 2002 to 2003, he served as staff captain onboard the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder cruise ships. Prior to joining Disney Cruise Line, Russell served for 7 years as a captain for Stena Line Cruise Ferries on various continental routes in Europe as part of his 33 years of maritime industry experience. He is a member of the Nautical Institute, a group dedicated to promoting and coordinating nautical studies and safety worldwide. Born in London, England, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Nautical Science and currently splits his time between the London and Orlando, Fla. Offices.
Frank de Heer ~ Vice President, New Ship Development
- Walt Disney Imagineering
A 33 year veteran of the cruise industry, de Heer was named to this post in 2007, when Disney Cruise Line anounced their newbuilding program. De Heer is responsible for the design and construction of the companies new tonnage and is also involved in the design and construction of the companies home port and private island. De Heer joined Disney Cruise Line in 1996 as part of the start up team and served as the company Vice President of Marine and Technical Operations, prior to accepting his present asignment. Prior to joining Disney Cruse Line, de Heer served in various shipboard and shoreside posts at Holland America Line, where he was the superintendent responsible for the maintenance, technical operations and repair budget for Windstar Cruises and several of Holland America Line's large cruise ships. His career began with the Holland America Line as a shipboard engineer on the SS Rotterdam and SS Statendam. He was selected to be part of the new builds supervision team in France and retired his shipboard career to be part of the management team in the marine and technical department of the Holland America Line and Windstar Cruises. De Heer is a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. Born in 1958, he earned his Bachelor of Science in mechanical and marine engineering at the Academy for Marine Engineers. He currently resides in Orlando Windermere, Fla. 44
CRUISE INDUSTRY PROFILES • 2010