Disney Research Chief Joins U.S. Spy Agency
Eric Haseltine is moving from one top secret organization to another.
Walt Disney Co.’s chief of research and development is leaving to become head of research for the National Security Agency, which uses sophisticated technology to gather intelligence, break codes and protect sensitive government information systems.
Haseltine worked for a decade at Walt Disney Imagineering, the company’s design and development group. As such, he would seem an unlikely choice for his new government mission. But the worlds of the NSA and Disney Imagineering aren’t so dissimilar. Both include a diverse group of top-level scientists and share a penchant for security and secrecy (Disney won’t say how many scientists it employs). There’s a certain institutional quality to the unmarked, drab buildings that make up the sprawling Walt Disney Imagineering complex in Glendale.
Beyond developing innovative ride systems for theme parks, Disney’s research and development team also has expertise in areas with military applications, including virtual reality technology. Disney scientists are at the forefront of interactive TV and developing systems for protecting the company against Internet piracy.
Haseltine, 50, who holds a doctorate in physiological psychology, is no stranger to the defense world. He spent 13 years at Hughes Aircraft Co., where he managed R&D; projects and was known as a top expert on flight simulation. He joined Disney in 1992.
In his new role, he will lead a research and technology team for the spy agency, a division of the Defense Department. Neither NSA nor Haseltine will detail his exact responsibilities.
“I’m particularly motivated because of what happened on Sept. 11,” Haseltine said. “Under ordinary circumstances, I would never have dreamed of leaving Disney, but these aren’t ordinary circumstances.”
Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael V. Hayden, director of the NSA, said in a statement that Haseltine “is the right leader to drive our R&D; area to heightened technological superiority for national security.”
Disney has not yet named a replacement for Haseltine. “While we never like to see someone of Eric’s caliber leave,” said Disney spokeswoman Marie Garvey, “the company understands his desire to serve his country.”
Haseltine led Disney’s push into virtual reality entertainment, which culminated in the DisneyQuest regional entertainment centers. He also played a key role in bringing enhanced TV to ABC’s “Monday Night Football.”
He became head of research and development two years ago. He starts his new job as the NSA’s associate director of research Aug. 5.
Haseltine is the latest among several senior scientists and executives who have left the vaunted Walt Disney Imagineering division in recent years, mostly to pursue Web-related ventures.
Among them was former research and development director Bran Ferren, who recruited a number of top scientists to help Disney tap the potential of the Internet. They included personal computer pioneer Alan Kay and Marvin Minsky, one of the brains behind artificial intelligence.
