Olena Virko

Media and advertising sales professional with 15+ years of experience in advertising, sales and technologies, digital services, and digital marketing strategies. 7+ years in new businesses development and entrepreneurship.

New Business Development Manager - Toronto Marketing Hub - Toronto, ON

(2023-02)

• Developing strategic partnerships and identifying new business opportunities
• Supporting marketing and outreach efforts to grow client base
• Collaborating with stakeholders on digital initiatives and brand promotion

Client Relations & Interpreter - Freelance – Major Events & Conferences - Toronto, ON

(2023-11)

Worked with: BBW International, Executec International, Canadian Live Events, 5 Eyes (New York)

• Participated in organizing and executing international events such as SIBOS, Salesforce, Collision, Shopify, and Deloitte
• Provided interpretation and multilingual support
• Ensured seamless communication between guests, organizers, and speakers

Head of Sales - Adnuntius AS - Kyiv, Ukraine

(2021-11 - 2022-05)

Norwegian-based software company with expertise in the publishing industry with the digital advertising and marketing platform for data management.

• Developed a new sales strategy that led to a 15% increase in client acquisition
• Led sales team to a 25% increase in sales within the first quarter, establishing key industry partnerships

Head of Sales & New Business Development - Uamobile.net - Kyiv, Ukraine

(2020-01 - 2021-11)

Ukrainian SaaS company specializing in optimizing the placement of video and banner advertising on the Internet (desktop and mobile), programmatic platform.

• Advertising sales of mobile and banner ads to vital international advertisers in Ukraine
• New business development in Central Asia and CEE
• Spearheaded expansion into three new international markets, achieving a 40% growth in global revenue

Head of Sales, co-founder - GoBuzz, SMM Agency - Toronto

(2017-01 - 2020-01)

• Worked closely with clients to comprehend their business requirements and professional expectations
• Formulated sales plans, strategies, and goals to help the team achieve revenue objectives
• Orchestrated a high-impact social media campaign that boosted client engagement by 50%

CEO, business owner - Digital Promotion, Internet Advertising Agency - Kyiv, Ukraine

(2013-01 - 2016-03)

The local agency was ranked among the top 5 largest local full-service internet advertising agencies and closely partnered with Group M, WPP's media investment group.

• Launched and organized the agency from scratch
• Directly involved in tactical actions, managed 20 people, searching for partners, making critical decisions, distributing finances, developing marketing and sales strategies

Head of Starlight Digital Sales - Starlight Media Group - Kyiv, Ukraine

(2012-01 - 2012-12)

The largest Ukrainian broadcasting group.

• Managed a sales team of 10 people, providing the clients with the reach of the target audience and brand safety in any advertising format
• Developed sales plans, goals, strategies, and objectives to achieve team goals and revenue objectives
• Led the digital sales team to a record-breaking year, exceeding sales targets by 30%

General Manager - Mail.Ru Group, Representative Office - Kyiv, Ukraine

(2009-07 - 2012-01)

The largest internet company in the Russian-speaking world that operates social networking sites, IM networks, email services, and internet portal.

• Launched a company in Ukraine from scratch, recruited and managed a team of 26 people
• Managed successful market expansion initiatives, resulting in a 20% increase in user base

CEO, business owner - Internet Technologies/Advertising Agency - Kyiv, Ukraine

(2008-02 - 2009-06)

The local agency was in close partnership with Group M, which is WPP's media investment group.

• Managed a team of 17 people and served significant international clients in Ukraine, including Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Nestle, and L'Oreal
• Directly involved in tactical actions, searching for partners, making critical decisions, distributing finances, developing marketing and sales strategies

CEO - Internet Expert/ Internet Advertising Agency - Kyiv, Ukraine

(2006-01 - 2008-01)

The local agency specialized in web development and media planning, analytics, etc.

• Managed of 10 people, financials, and key performance indicators to facilitate business operations
• Expanded service offerings by 50%, resulting in a 45% rise in client retention

Head of Advertising Sales of Cosmopolitan Magazine - Independent Media Company, Representative Office - Kyiv, Ukraine

(2001-02 - 2002-05)

• Developed and maintained successful working relationships with business partners and advertisers
• Achieved a 35% increase in ad sales, securing major advertisers

Advertising Sales Manager - Publishing House "Burda Media" - Kyiv, Ukraine

(1998-03 - 2001-02)

• Secured three long-term advertising contracts with major brands such as Nestle, Unilever, P&G, Coca-Cola, Marconi, Kraft Foods, etc.
• Implemented sales strategies leading to 40% year-over-year growth in ad revenue

Certificate - Leading Digital Transformation - York University (Schulich school of business) (2024-03)

Certificate - Digital Marketing Connections Bridging Program - Humber College (2023-10 - 2023-12)

Diploma - Advertising And Marketing Communications Program - Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning (2017-09 - 2019-06)

Master's degree - Publishing, Journalism - Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI) (1990-09 - 1996-06)