Disney Data & Analytics Conference (DDAC)

Achille Ettorre

Achille Ettorre is a strategist at speaker and author helping organizations bridge the gap between AI theory and real-world transformation. As the author of The Digital Advantage, he equips leaders with a field-tested approach to aligning culture, data and technology to drive sustainable results. Achille brings a rare blend of boardroom strategy and frontline execution, shaped by his work with Fortune 500 brands like Loblaw, national AI advisory boards and entrepreneurial ventures like GTA Equipment Rentals. He currently serves on the Board of Advisors for the Smith School of Business and the National AI Business & Industry Leadership Team (BILT), where he helps shape the future of AI education, workforce development and responsible innovation.

Achille Ettorre

TEDx Speaker & Author at N/A

Andrew Wright

Andrew Wright, a Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development principal, develops advanced technologies to improve the work of fellow Imagineers and Cast Members. With 19 years at Disney, he has contributed to diverse analytic and emerging technology teams. Prior to Disney, Andrew worked in financial services and consulting. He holds a degree in foreign affairs and graduate degrees in business and applied statistics. Andrew lives in Southern California with his wife and their retired rescue greyhound.

Andrew Wright

Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development Principal at The Walt Disney Company

Baris Sarer

Consulting Principal, TMT Strategy & Analytics at Deloitte

Baris Sarer

Baris is the Global Leader of Deloitte’s AI Practice for the Technology at Media & Entertainment and Telecom (TMT) industries. With over 20 years of experience, he advises C-suite executives on data-driven strategies and intelligent technology investments. Baris is a recognized thought leader, frequently contributing to industry forums and publications. He has led complex programs to scale AI, monetize data and maximize technology return on investment. Currently, he focuses on unlocking AI’s potential in the TMT sector. Before Deloitte, Baris held leadership roles in wireless communications companies across research and development, operations and sales, managing global projects and advising clients worldwide.

Brian Walters

Brian Walters, Professional Engineer, is senior manager of the Modeling, Simulation, and Training Tools (MST) team within Global Engineering and Technology (GE&T) at Disney Experiences. The MST team develops simulation, training, data acquisition and analytics tools for Disney Parks worldwide. Brian graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering and a Master of Science in engineering management.

Brian Walters

Sr. Manager, Modeling Simulation & Training Tools at The Walt Disney Company

Cara Dienes

Vice President, Decision Science Application Development, Sustainment & Operations at The Walt Disney Company

Cara Dienes

During her tenure with Disney at Cara Dienes has delivered pricing, inventory control and forecasting capabilities to businesses across the enterprise. These solutions empower decision-makers with techniques from statistics, optimization, simulation and machine learning into applications. Beyond delivering solutions, Cara seeks to empower team members and develop analytics leaders of the future. Prior to joining Disney, she worked in systems engineering in the defense industry. She holds a doctorate in industrial engineering from Iowa State and is currently Vice President, Decision Science Application Development, Sustainment & Operations.

Cassie Kozyrkov

Chief Executive Officer at Kozyr LLC

Cassie Kozyrkov

Cassie Kozyrkov is the Chief Executive Officer of Kozyr and the founder of Decision Intelligence. As Google’s first Chief Decision Scientist, she helped lead its transformation into an AI-first company, personally training over 20,000 Googlers and influencing 500+ initiatives. Today, she advises global organizations like NASA, Meta and Gucci on AI strategy. A dynamic speaker with deep technical expertise and theater-trained charisma, Cassie has captivated audiences in 40+ countries, including at the United Nations and World Economic Forum. She’s a LinkedIn Top Voice, Forbes AI cover star and a celebrated author with millions of readers. Cassie holds degrees in economics, statistics, psychology and neuroscience.