Our Team

Owner & Chairman

Vedat Ugurlu

Vedat is the owner of Miray and has over 32 years of experience in the cruise industry. He has a passion for providing top-notch service and has expanded his business to include crewing recruitment, vessel hotel management, and floating hotel accommodation services. Vedat has worked with numerous cruise lines worldwide and has offices in multiple countries. He is a leader in the industry, constantly seeking new opportunities and driving continuous improvements.

Chief Executive Officer

Kendra L. Holmes

Kendra has been operative in the hospitality and maritime industry for over 15 years and is passionate about building relationships, creating new opportunities, and leading impactful change. She has worked with Disney Cruise Line on fleet vessel refurbishment planning and was responsible for developing an integrated project delivery approach for project execution to lower overall cost, improve vendor performance, and reduce project timelines. She has also led operational change within Norwegian Cruise Line as a consultant for major land-based construction project procurement and delivery. Recently Kendra has been working to develop and negotiate new charter and ship purchase opportunities while leading company growth initiatives. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tampa in Marine Science and Biology with a minor in Chemistry, a Juris Doctorate from Florida A&M University College of Law, and she graduated magna cum laude from St. Thomas University College of Law with an LL.M. in International Business and Tax Law.

VP Marine & Port Operations

Ethem Bayramoglu

Ethem is a seasoned professional with 32 years of experience in the tourism industry. As a General Manager, he has contributed to the growth and expansion of Hatko Holding, Gemim Shipyard, and Etstur, helping them become market leaders in their fields. Ethem is known for his proactive approach and ability to motivate his teams, leading to rapid development, strong financial stability, and sustainable expansion. He holds a BA in chemical engineering and an MBA in business administration from Bosphorus University Istanbul.

Fleet Director / DPA

Deniz Bayram

Deniz has over 22 years of experience in the maritime and cruise industry, with a focus on fleet management and operations. He has held leadership positions at Miray Gemicilik İşletme and Personal Tic. Ltd. Şti., Deniz Cruise & Ferry, and Cenk Group, and holds numerous certificates and licenses including an Ocean going Master licence, ISM Code Auditor Certificate, and Company Security officer certificate. Deniz is dedicated to driving success and innovation in the industry through his leadership and problem-solving approach.

Vice President Hotel Operations

Fuat Guven

Fuat has over 28 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with a focus on luxury cruise ships, convention centers, and high volume operations. He has a background in front desk operations and hotel and tourism management, and has worked for companies such as Carnival Cruise Lines, Hilton, and Universal Studios Resort. Fuat is skilled in staff development, policy creation, cost control, and revitalizing hotel operations.

Sales Director

Natalka Brodnik

Natalka has 20+ years of customer service and sales experience. She has operated several startup businesses and successfully led them to achieve sales far over expectations. She also has experience growing sales strategies while maximizing personal service. Additionally, she has managed several multimillion dollar retailers during her career and excels at interpersonal relationships and conflict resolution. Natalka is an avid cruiser and loves to travel. In her spare time, she spends time with her children as a dance and gymnastics mom, and loves her 3 dogs.

TEAM MEMBERS

Meet with Our Team