Elevate Your Brand. Showcase Your Innovation

The Eurasian Beauty Guild (EBG) demonstrated that an email campaign doesn’t need a massive list to make a powerful impact. Targeting a niche but highly engaged audience of beauty professionals, EBG launched a personalized member email series designed to drive participation, renewals, and professional involvement — achieving exceptional engagement rates and real-world results.

Rather than relying on generic newsletters, EBG’s campaign focused on creating a sense of personal relevance and professional belonging. The emails were segmented by member status and involvement history (e.g., new member, inactive, or previously nominated), and crafted with a direct, friendly tone that reflected the Guild’s supportive values. Each message included tailored content such as member spotlights, upcoming awards deadlines, invitations to join the jury panel, and curated opportunities for public recognition.

What made the campaign stand out was its format: concise, visually clean, and action-driven, each email featured one clear call to action — whether to submit a nomination, update a profile, or book a member consultation. Personal touches, like addressing members by name and referencing past interactions, helped boost open and click-through rates well above industry averages.

Despite the relatively small database, the campaign achieved:

• Over 75% average open rate
• 40% response or click-through rate on key calls to action

The EBG’s success proves that highly focused, emotionally intelligent email marketing — even to a select group — can outperform mass campaigns when it speaks to the right people in the right way. This nomination celebrates an elegant, effective approach to community engagement through smart, human-centric email communication.

Before this project, VTB clients could only check and update their personal data in person at a bank branch. Remote modifications were impossible due to high fraud risks, internal security concerns, and the lack of secure digital interfaces for customer interactions. However, the growth of digital services and the rise of fraud schemes involving identity theft required a secure and reliable solution for remote data management. The primary goal of the project was to create a system that would allow clients to verify and update their personal data remotely while minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and manipulation by fraudsters. To achieve this, the bank integrated its systems with the national digital profile via state services such as ESIA and SMEV. The use of National ID ensures secure identity verification through official government sources, preventing fraudsters from making unauthorized changes. Now, any update to personal data requires additional authentication through state services, significantly enhancing security. The project not only improved client access to their personal data but also significantly reduced fraud risks. When applying for a loan, mortgage, account, or bank card, the system automatically verifies client data against government records. Additionally, built-in regulatory compliance checks and interdepartmental data exchange detect suspicious activity and prevent fraudulent data modifications. The key innovation of this project is the ability to securely update personal data remotely without compromising security. By leveraging National ID, the bank ensures that it always works with accurate and verified client information, protecting customers from fraud and financial crimes. This initiative has strengthened cybersecurity and set a new standard for secure digital identity management in banking.

Over the past three years, I have made a significant impact in digital marketing, personal branding, and content creation, helping creators and business owners build strong digital presences. My expertise has been recognized internationally, leading to jury positions at prestigious awards, including ECDMA Global Awards and Armenia Digital Awards. I have worked with many successful creators and entrepreneurs, including Angela Pearl, a well-known international celebrity, global awards winner “WIBA AWARDS”^ frequent guest at events like the Cannes Film Festival. I contributed to the development of her personal brand on the international market, enhancing her visibility and positioning. Beyond individual collaborations, I am a member of professional marketing associations and guilds in Russia (“Guild of Marketers” and “RASO”), where experts are selected based on their industry contributions. My work spans across personal branding, social media marketing, and content strategy, impacting thousands of professionals and businesses. My book, “How to Become a Content Creator and Build a Personal Brand”, became a #1 Amazon bestseller in Global Marketing and E-Commerce, further solidifying my authority in the field. Through my blog, I have built an engaged audience of over 11,000 followers, sharing insights on branding, content marketing, and social media strategies. My marketing campaigns have reached millions, driving engagement and business growth for my clients and collaborations.

Dmytro Balan has emerged as a leader in marketing automation through the creation and successful scaling of ThinkAd — an AI-powered Amazon advertising optimization platform built specifically for small and medium-sized businesses. With years of hands-on experience in Amazon PPC management and a career that spans agencies like Profit Whales and Disqover, Dmytro identified a critical need in the market: affordable, high-impact automation for sellers lacking the expertise or resources to manage complex ad campaigns.

Launched in 2022, ThinkAd addresses this gap by offering an intelligent, user-friendly solution that automates bid adjustments, keyword harvesting, budget allocation, and ad scheduling. It empowers businesses to achieve enterprise-level ad performance without the overhead of large teams or external consultants. Under Dmytro’s leadership, the platform has delivered impressive results: a 25–30% reduction in ACoS, 206% increase in ad-driven revenue, and over 50% improvement in organic rankings for clients such as Handcraft Blends, Brooklyn Botany, and New York Biology.

Dmytro’s strategic approach combines data-driven precision with real-world seller pain points. ThinkAd doesn’t just automate tasks — it creates a seamless feedback loop between ad performance, product visibility, and business growth. His commitment to continuous improvement is evident in ThinkAd’s weekly client reporting system, which includes ad performance analytics, keyword tracking, and stock-to-sales ratios — tools that transform tactical decisions into scalable strategies.

Recognized by the Amazon Ads Partner Network and trusted by over 100 SMBs, Dmytro’s vision has redefined what automation can achieve for e-commerce entrepreneurs. His work stands as a testament to how thoughtful technology can democratize success, helping smaller players thrive in one of the world’s most competitive marketplaces. This nomination acknowledges his innovation, execution, and real-world business impact in the field of marketing automation.

Natalia Cherep is an international digital marketing strategist specializing in integrated digital marketing strategy, investor communications, and cross-industry digital transformation. Her professional experience spans luxury retail, alternative energy, agribusiness investment projects, insurance, and international humanitarian organizations. Natalia is known for building trust-based digital ecosystems that unite brand strategy, multi-channel communications, CRM-driven automation, and stakeholder psychology to support growth, investment readiness, and long-term credibility. Her work combines strategic rigor with narrative precision, making her a valued expert in evaluating complex, integrated digital marketing initiatives across global markets.

Since launching Tech Suppliers Pro on the U.S. market in September 2024, Artem Kalashnikov has increased monthly turnover by more than 50 times, scaling from modest initial shipments to consistent monthly sales of $50,000–$100,000. In less than a year of operations, he achieved a single-record shipment of $56,000 and has maintained a strong, upward growth trajectory for the company.
Artem secured official partnership and distribution agreements with leading global technology brands—including Dell, Cisco, Lenovo, Western Digital, SanDisk, MSI, and Ubiquiti—as well as with major U.S. electronics distributors such as D&H and TDSynnex. Under his leadership, the company established an active client base of 24 companies, 6 of which are now regular customers. An impressive 80% repeat client rate underscores the trust and satisfaction he has fostered through exceptional service and reliability.
Artem has successfully built a thriving eBay channel, selling over 858 products since launch. He has earned an established monthly sales limit of up to $5 million on the platform. Customer satisfaction is reflected in 208 positive reviews with a 99% positive feedback rate, confirming his reputation for operational excellence and responsive service.
Artem implemented an integrated inventory and sales management system via Inventory Source, connecting Shopify, Amazon, and eBay for real-time synchronization of stock and pricing. This automation minimized errors, accelerated order processing, and enabled the company to scale rapidly. Using Shopify as a CRM and analytics platform, he elevated operational efficiency and significantly reduced order fulfillment time. Additionally, Artem pioneered the practice of developing custom procurement lists for regular clients, which deepened customer relationships and streamlined sales cycles. Targeted advertising campaigns further ensured a consistent pipeline of new business clients.
One of the hallmarks of Artem’s leadership is his commitment to European-level customer service. This includes instant order response, proactive communication, and a personalized approach for every client. These standards quickly differentiated Tech Suppliers Pro from competitors and earned the lasting loyalty of both business clients and end customers in the highly competitive American market.
Artem’s track record demonstrates not just outstanding commercial performance, but also the ability to introduce best-in-class business practices, adapt global standards to local market needs, and drive innovation through technology and process automation. His achievements have positioned Tech Suppliers Pro as a trusted, high-performing player in the U.S. electronics distribution sector in record time.

Alexey Artemov is a Data & AI Solutions Architect specializing in designing and implementing scalable data processing platforms with AI integration for retail enterprises and industries with stringent security and regulatory compliance requirements.

For the last 10 years pharmaceutical industry is shifting from traditional way of promotion through medical reps to consumer oriented channels – offline and online media. But in general there is lack of understanding how to connect business and marketing needs with media KPIs and what goals we need to focus on with the media agency.
Mostly Eurasia countries are not so developed within media buying and are based on agency recommendations who mostly work with FMCG companies. But pharmaceutical market sometimes follows FMCG rules with pharma specific points.

I’ve developed regional approach for media planning (both offline and online) that was used for each brand in media in Eurasia region.
We have 120 brands in promo and the approach decreased time of briefing, strategy preparation and helps us to check the acceptance of the planning.

After that global teams also moved to this approach

Diana Akchurina is being nominated in recognition of her outstanding achievements in elevating the global visibility of her communications agency, Easy Communications, despite operating with limited resources. In 2023, Diana began transitioning the agency’s focus from the Russian market to the international stage. This shift required building global trust and brand recognition without the support of large advertising budgets. Traditionally relying on word-of-mouth and personal referrals, Diana understood the need for a structured and strategic PR approach. Over the past two years, she has successfully positioned herself as a respected expert in tech communications through LinkedIn visibility, international media contributions, professional speaking engagements, and industry jury roles. Her efforts have led to partnerships with global clients, increased media mentions across more than five countries, and recognition of her as a thought leader in cross-border communication strategy.

Over the past decade, digital advertising has evolved dramatically, but automation in Google Ads management remains a challenge for many businesses. I founded Yakiv Ads to bridge this gap, providing a seamless and efficient automation tool that enables marketers to create and manage Google Ads SKAG campaigns in minutes without technical complexities.
My expertise in computer science, digital marketing, and automation led to the development of this solution, helping businesses, agencies, and individual advertisers save time, reduce costs, and enhance campaign performance. In 2024, after extensive testing on over 200 projects, we launched Yakiv Ads as a publicly available tool, revolutionizing PPC management.
This nomination recognizes my contributions to marketing automation, AI-driven advertising optimization, and the empowerment of businesses through efficient digital advertising solutions.”,”1. Developed and launched Yakiv Ads (2024) – An automation tool that simplifies Google Ads SKAG campaign creation and management, saving businesses up to 86% of manual effort.
2. Implemented AI-powered automation – Our tool automatically optimizes keyword selection, ad copies, and budget allocation, improving ROI and reducing ad spend inefficiencies.
3. Adopted by 200+ businesses – Within months of launching, Yakiv Ads has become a go-to tool for advertisers who want error-free, AI-enhanced campaign automation.
4. Recognized by industry experts – Yakiv Ads has been featured in PPC forums and case studies as a game-changing innovation in digital advertising automation.
5. Optimized advertising for global markets – The tool supports multi-language campaigns and localization, allowing businesses to scale internationally without additional manual efforts.

Denis Zabolotnyi is the founder of GetLens, an online store for professional photography equipment and a thriving community of over 100,000 enthusiasts. With a background in digital marketing and a deep understanding of consumer behavior, Denis has positioned GetLens not just as a marketplace, but as a hub for education, exchange, and engagement among visual creatives.

He is best known for creating Russia’s first “Trade-Out Funnel,” a groundbreaking marketing system that transforms product exits—returns, exchanges, and disposals—into strategic entry points for repeat sales and customer loyalty. This approach introduced a new marketing layer known as “exit-based marketing,” reshaping how businesses engage with customers at the end of the ownership cycle.

Recognized as an innovation by both industry leaders and academia, the Trade-Out Funnel integrates digital user activation tools, CRM systems, gamified auctions, and embedded API solutions for brands. It has been successfully implemented by major retailers and B2B partners across the CIS region, turning secondary product circulation into a driver of growth.

Denis’s work represents a new frontier in marketing—one where post-ownership behavior is no longer overlooked but becomes central to business strategy. His model continues to influence e-commerce development, making him a key voice in the evolution of digital customer experience.

Gulzira Omarova is a visionary public relations strategist, media expert, and educator who has redefined communications across government, corporate, and international sectors. As Founder and President of the PR Academy for Central Asian Journalists, she has pioneered professional education in the region, empowering over one hundred specialists with expertise in strategic PR, ethics, and global communication standards.

Her distinguished career includes serving as Press Secretary for the Ministry of Justice of Kazakhstan, where she spearheaded the modernization of public information frameworks, and contributing to the PR team for Astana EXPO-2017—one of the most significant international events in Kazakhstan’s history. Before entering public service, she spent years as a journalist and TV host at Khabar Agency, where she produced and presented over 3,000 national broadcasts, establishing new benchmarks for ethical storytelling in Kazakhstani media.

A Bolashak International Scholarship Laureate and Rutgers University alumna, Gulzira merges academic excellence with visionary leadership, championing PR as a discipline rooted in transparency, trust, and social responsibility.

The 5S Strategy Framework: Success Factors in Domestic Business
The effectiveness of the 5S Strategy Framework in domestic business is driven by several key factors:

Deep Market Segmentation (Segment)
The Russian market is highly diverse, and the 5S methodology helps businesses precisely identify target segments. This enables the development of more effective marketing strategies, considering regional differences, cultural characteristics, and consumer preferences—crucial for business success.
Personalized Strategies (Strategize)
In a highly competitive market, businesses must stand out. The 5S Framework enables the creation of unique, innovative strategies tailored to each segment, fostering higher engagement and conversion rates.
Process & Resource Optimization (Streamline)
Many Russian companies require process optimization for increased profitability. 5S helps eliminate inefficiencies, automate operations, and improve resource management, which is vital for medium and large businesses.
Departmental Synchronization (Synchronize)
A common challenge in domestic businesses is lack of coordination. 5S focuses on synchronizing marketing, sales, and customer support, enhancing communication, accelerating decision-making, and boosting customer satisfaction.
Sustainable Development (Sustain)
Long-term sustainability is essential, especially amid economic instability. 5S helps businesses build customer loyalty, embrace corporate responsibility, and strengthen their market position.
Path to Successful Implementation
For optimal results, businesses should:
✅ Conduct detailed market segmentation for tailored offerings.
✅ Develop flexible, innovative strategies for each segment.
✅ Automate processes to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
✅ Foster seamless departmental collaboration with feedback systems.
✅ Invest in loyalty programs and sustainability initiatives for long-term growth.

Additional Recommendations:
Train employees in the 5S methodology and conduct regular evaluations.
Ensure active communication for smooth implementation and adaptation.
By following these principles, companies can enhance efficiency, optimize resources, and secure sustainable growth. The 5S Framework integrates innovation, strategic planning, and process optimization, helping Russian businesses adapt to market conditions and achieve long-term success.

The nominee demonstrated exceptional PR leadership during an annual partner conference attended by 500 top executives. A severe storm caused multiple power outages, plunging the event into darkness. Instead of disruption, the nominee kept the event running, ensuring speakers continued, using flashlights, and maintaining engagement. This crisis management not only preserved the conference’s success but also reinforced trust, leading to new business deals signed on-site.

Over the past two years, the nominee has consistently demonstrated excellence in PR and strategic communications, achieving measurable results:

Enhanced brand recognition by strengthening the company’s reputation among key industry players.
Secured new business opportunities, turning high-stakes events into platforms for successful deal-making.
Mastered crisis communication, transforming unforeseen challenges into moments that reinforced trust and reliability.
Through innovative PR strategies, adaptability, and bold leadership, the nominee has elevated the company’s public perception, built long-term partnerships, and showcased PR as a driving force for business success.

Vladimir Kochnev’s nomination for E-Commerce Leader of the Year at the ECDMA Global Awards is a recognition of his exceptional achievements in e-commerce brand development, Amazon marketplace strategy, and digital business scaling. As the CEO of Purus Manufacturing, he has built a thriving herbal supplement empire, transforming an initial investment into a multi-million-dollar business while pioneering new approaches to product development, operational efficiency, and customer engagement. In just four years, Vladimir has launched and scaled multiple high-performing e-commerce brands, including Herbamama and Forever Puppy, generating over $53.2 million in revenue and amassing 102,000+ Amazon reviews—a testament to customer trust and brand loyalty. His ability to identify untapped market segments, leverage data-driven marketing strategies, and implement cutting-edge operational processes has established him as a leader in the competitive digital commerce space. Beyond financial success, Vladimir has revolutionized e-commerce product development, introducing 819+ unique herbal supplements tailored to evolving consumer health needs. His strategic expansion of manufacturing facilities from a single 2,500 sq. ft. warehouse to six totaling 15,000 sq. ft. showcases his visionary approach to scaling operations, ensuring sustainable growth and supply chain optimization. Vladimir’s leadership extends beyond his own brands—he is a recognized thought leader in the e-commerce industry, regularly sharing insights through workshops, educational content, and media contributions in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and the Los Angeles Times. His commitment to mentorship and knowledge-sharing has empowered countless entrepreneurs and e-commerce professionals to succeed in the digital marketplace.

Over the past three years, I have made a significant impact in digital marketing, personal branding, and content creation, helping creators and business owners build strong digital presences. My expertise has been recognized internationally, leading to jury positions at prestigious awards, including ECDMA Global Awards and Armenia Digital Awards.

I have worked with many successful creators and entrepreneurs, including Angela Pearl, a well-known international celebrity, global awards winner “WIBA AWARDS”^ frequent guest at events like the Cannes Film Festival. I contributed to the development of her personal brand on the international market, enhancing her visibility and positioning.

Beyond individual collaborations, I am a member of professional marketing associations and guilds in Russia (“Guild of Marketers” and “RASO”), where experts are selected based on their industry contributions. My work spans across personal branding, social media marketing, and content strategy, impacting thousands of professionals and businesses.

My book, “How to Become a Content Creator and Build a Personal Brand”, became a #1 Amazon bestseller in Global Marketing and E-Commerce, further solidifying my authority in the field. Through my blog, I have built an engaged audience of over 11,000 followers, sharing insights on branding, content marketing, and social media strategies. My marketing campaigns have reached millions, driving engagement and business growth for my clients and collaborations.

Make it Real! is a unique community that brings together leaders and professionals from the digital and marketing industries.

In an era oversaturated with formal events, we have created a space for genuine connections — where ideas turn into projects and acquaintances grow into real partnerships.
We unite participants from leading advertising agencies, banks, FMCG companies, tech startups, and major manufacturers.
We are not bound by contracts or shared employers — we are united by values: a drive for growth, a willingness to support one another, and a passion for moving the industry forward together.
Make it Real! is more than just a meetup

Make it Real! is proof that the future of the industry belongs to real human connections.”,”Since 2022, Make it Real! has hosted over 50 events in Armenia, becoming one of the most recognized platforms for networking and professional development in the digital community.
All events are held in Russian, creating a welcoming space for professionals from different countries to connect and grow.
We originally started as a community for expat marketers — and today, Make it Real! unites not only expatriates but also a growing number of local Armenian professionals and international participants from across the region.

Our lineup includes:
⏺ the first Russian-language marketing hackathon in Armenia,
⏺ 18 meetups on current digital topics,
⏺ 8 large-scale lectures by industry speakers,
⏺ a Digital StandUp show,
⏺ and 20 networking brunches.

Each Make it Real! event is not just about speaker sessions. Every gathering has its own theme and a unique networking format:
🎴 card games for structured introductions,
💬 dynamic chat discussions,
🧠 team quizzes during session breaks,
🤖 interactive engagement through a Telegram bot,
🤝 and dedicated business networking sessions.

We actively develop partnerships, having organized events together with leading IT companies and collaborated with Armenia’s largest HR event — Career City Fest.

Our events have attracted speakers and participants not only from Armenia but also from Georgia, various Asian countries, and Europe, giving Make it Real! an increasingly international reach.

Within our community, we’ve also launched special interest clubs:
🎾 squash,
🎲 board games,
📚 and a bilingual book club focused on cultural diversity (in Russian and English).

Today, Make it Real! brings together over 500 engaged community members.
We help participants discover new career paths, launch collaborative projects, and build meaningful professional relationships that truly transform their lives and careers.
With a growing organizing committee, we continue to expand and strengthen our impact on the professional landscape.
Our meetups are often informally called “”the trendiest events in Yerevan’s digital scene.”,”Strategies we employed:

а) A clear focus on core values:
From the very beginning, we built the community around support, knowledge sharing, and real networking — not around formal speeches or status.

b) A customized approach to every event:
Each event has a unique theme and a dedicated networking mechanic: from card games and dynamic chats to team quizzes, interactive Telegram bots, and structured business networking sessions. This keeps every gathering engaging and fresh.

c) Building a high-quality audience:
We attracted participants through personal recommendations, partnerships with IT companies, and collaborations with major events such as Career City Fest.

d) Integrating international expertise:
We welcomed speakers and participants not only from Armenia but also from Russia, Georgia, various Asian countries, and Europe, expanding the community’s global reach.

e) Maintaining strong community engagement:
We created internal clubs for squash, board games, and a bilingual book club, ensuring that the community thrives not only during events but between them.

Why our achievements stand out:

1. Every event is built around genuine engagement, not passive listening.

2. Each gathering has its own unique concept and networking experience.

3. We have created a space where participants feel part of a vibrant, supportive community.

4. In just a short time, we evolved from a small expat-focused group into one of the most dynamic international digital communities in Armenia.

5. Our participants naturally become ambassadors for the community, fueling organic growth and long-term impact.”,”Make it Real! is a community and event series for digital and marketing professionals, created to foster real professional connections through open and engaging communication.

What we do:
We organize regular events in Armenia, held in Russian, attracting participants and speakers from Armenia, Russia, Georgia, Asia, and Europe.
Our program includes meetups on trending digital topics, expert lectures, networking brunches, thematic quizzes, a Digital StandUp show, and a signature marketing hackathon.
Each event is enhanced with unique networking formats to help every participant build valuable connections and feel truly part of the community.

How we work:
Each event has a specific theme and a carefully designed engagement mechanic.
We use elements like card games, dynamic chat activities, team quizzes, interactive Telegram bots, and structured business networking to break barriers and create an atmosphere of openness and energy.

Who it’s for:
Initially, Make it Real! was created for expat marketers who had relocated to Armenia. Over time, the community grew into an international and open platform for all digital and marketing professionals — welcoming both local specialists and international participants.

Our approach:
At the core of Make it Real! is the belief that networking should be genuine and human.
We believe in the power of real human connections and create conditions where people can meet, exchange ideas, support each other, and grow together.
We don’t just host events — we build an environment for personal and professional growth.

The result:
Since its launch in 2022, Make it Real! has united over 500 members, hosted more than 50 events, formed a growing organizing committee, and become one of the most recognizable networking platforms in Armenia’s digital scene.

Digital Marketing Leader of the Year As the Digital Marketing Manager at Summit Properties USA, I specialize in increasing foot traffic to shopping malls across the United States. This task is particularly challenging due to two significant factors: Not all malls are in ideal condition, requiring creative strategies to enhance their attractiveness. The rise of e-commerce, which has shifted consumer shopping behaviors toward online platforms, reducing physical store visits. To address these challenges, I developed a comprehensive digital marketing strategy tailored to each mall’s unique circumstances. My approach includes: Social Media Management for Malls: I implemented a structured content strategy across Facebook and Instagram to engage local communities, showcase mall offerings, and highlight tenant success stories. By leveraging targeted advertising and organic engagement, I successfully increased reach and interactions with potential visitors. Support for Local Businesses: Recognizing that tenants’ success directly impacts mall traffic, I initiated a support program to amplify their presence on social media. This includes collaborative promotional campaigns, content creation guidance, and featuring tenant businesses in mall-wide marketing efforts. This strategy has strengthened the relationship between malls and their tenants while driving customer engagement. Event-Driven Traffic Growth: I designed and executed an event program to attract additional visitors. These events range from seasonal markets and community gatherings to interactive experiences that encourage repeat visits. To maximize attendance, I implemented targeted event promotions through social media advertising, influencer collaborations, and strategic partnerships with local organizations. Strategic Planning and Performance Tracking: We have developed a structured event and marketing program for 2025, ensuring consistency and strategic growth. Each month, we track results using the Placer AI platform, allowing us to measure the impact of our initiatives and adjust strategies accordingly. The results of my digital marketing initiatives have been significant, with increased social media engagement, higher attendance at mall events, and positive feedback from both tenants and visitors. Notably, in the first two months of 2025, event attendance increased by 27%, post views on social media grew by 67%, and the number of followers on Facebook and Instagram continues to rise each month. Through data-driven decision-making and innovative marketing tactics, I have contributed to revitalizing physical shopping experiences and enhancing community connections within the malls Summit Properties USA manages.

Anastasiia Motorina is an international marketing and branding expert and the founder of The City Seduction (USA), specializing in strategic brand positioning, storytelling, and audience engagement for global markets. With professional experience in high-level communications and event coordination at the Ukrainian Association of Football, she brings strong expertise in cross-cultural communication and premium audience strategy. She is a member of the Ukrainian Marketing Association and the TOP-Marketing Club, and contributes to the industry as an educator, speaker, and author of scientific research on trust-based personal branding. Her work combines marketing strategy, aesthetics, and experience design to help brands and entrepreneurs build credibility, emotional connection, and long-term influence.

Candidate for the “Professional of the Year” award: Sergey Kurazhev and his achievements in HR PR and HRM Marketing

Over the past three years, the technology market has been characterized by significant changes and challenges, but Sergey Kurazhev’s work at DataArt Armenia has been proof that it is possible to achieve impressive results even in conditions of instability. His achievements are not only large-scale but also qualitative, and we are happy to share their details.

Sergey has developed a unique scientific sociological approach, which, thanks to the application of a completely new methodology, has been successfully integrated into the company’s business cases. Unlike traditional methods, this approach allows to rely on scientific data and sound research, which is a highly effective solution in the context of HRM marketing. This innovation has opened new horizons for DataArt Armenia, allowing the company to more consciously and purposefully implement changes that are reflected in measurable business performance.

Sergey strives to ensure that all changes recommended within HRM are based on facts and analytical data, which minimizes risks and makes the process of people management more transparent and predictable. This not only improves team performance, but also creates a sustainable foundation for a corporate culture based on respect and trust.

Understanding and applying science-based methodologies in HRM marketing allows Sergey to promote changes that affect not only the internal atmosphere in the company, but also its positioning in the labor market. He actively contributes to DataArt’s positive image, thus strengthening the company’s reputation as an employer that values and develops its employees.

Despite external challenges and market instability, Sergey’s work is hard to overestimate. His approach to HR management to the DataArt Armenia team has become a role model and best practice in HR PR and HRM marketing. He applied principles that help not only to solve current problems, but also lay the foundation for the future sustainable growth of the company.

Taking into account all the above-mentioned factors, we can confidently state that Sergey Kurazhev is the strongest professional on the market. His achievements based on deep understanding and scientific approach to HRM make him a candidate eligible for nomination to the ECDMA Global Awards. We are confident that his successes will not go unnoticed and he will become an example for future HR and marketing professionals around the world.

Yang Liu’s nomination arises from her transformative leadership in China’s rapidly evolving children’s physical education sector. She joined iKidFit in 2015 as a founding team member when the company was a single-classroom startup with limited market visibility. Over the next eight years, she played a pivotal role in turning it into China’s leading children’s fitness education brand, growing it to over 400 chain stores nationwide and helping the company achieve listing on the New Third Board.
Her achievements occurred during a period of dramatic shifts in both consumer behavior and digital marketing. The younger generation of parents demanded more personalized, high-quality services, while traditional education marketing methods were being disrupted by platforms like Douyin (TikTok China). Within this context, Yang Liu not only scaled operations and standardized franchise systems across the country but also successfully led a digital transformation that positioned iKidFit as a benchmark case for livestream e-commerce in the education sector.
Her ability to integrate user insights, brand storytelling, and tech-enabled marketing solutions allowed iKidFit to thrive in a highly competitive and regulated industry — even during challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. Her efforts directly impacted both B2C growth and B2B training systems, making her a standout leader worthy of global recognition.

Kirill Timofeev is an internationally recognized email marketing strategist, founder of Mad Lead Printer, and Fractional CMO/CPO at the U.S.-based fintech platform GFS Group. He has driven GFS’s growth from early-stage revenues to eight-figure annual turnover, achieving a 1130% increase over six years and making email a core driver of over 20% of total revenue.

Known for combining technical precision with strategic vision, Kirill consistently delivers industry-leading results, including 45% B2B open rates, ten full-scale deliverability restorations, and cutting customer acquisition costs by half through data-driven outreach systems.

Our design meetups are a series of warm and open gatherings for designers in Serbia.
We bring together product, UX/UI, graphic, and motion designers to discuss important topics, share experiences, meet new people, and support each other.

We run two formats:
• Big meetups — 80+ people, with talks, panel discussions, and presentations.
• Design breakfasts — cozy morning meetups in cafés, where we have relaxed conversations and get inspired.

Topics range from AI in design to inclusivity, from freelancing to migration.
The most important things are honesty, respect, and a genuine wish to be part of the community.

• Built a Thriving Design Community in Serbia: Over the past three years, we’ve launched and grown a grassroots design meetup series that now connects over 900+ designers across Serbia and beyond — including product, UX/UI, graphic, and motion designers.
• Hosted 10+ Major Design Events: We organized large-scale meetups (80+ attendees each) featuring talks, panel discussions, and showcases from top professionals. These events created a vital platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration within the local creative scene.
• Launched a New Format — Design Breakfasts: In 2024, we introduced smaller, cozy design breakfasts — a more intimate format that fosters meaningful conversations on current topics like AI in design, inclusivity, and freelancing. These events quickly became a favorite among the community.
• Supported Newcomers and Relocated Creatives: Many attendees are designers who moved to Serbia in recent years. Our meetups help reduce professional isolation and provide a soft landing, offering both emotional and career support through peer connection.
• Documented and Amplified Voices: We record video podcasts with our speakers and share insights through social media, expanding the reach of local design voices and strengthening the visibility of Balkan-based creatives internationally.

Polina Varfolomeeva’s nomination for the “Outstanding PR Achievement” award reflects not only her extraordinary capabilities as a legal strategist but also her rare ability to navigate public narratives and regulatory landscapes across high-stakes, multi-jurisdictional environments.

As the Founder and CEO of Ation Law, Polina leads a consultancy that supports media, tech, and creative businesses in over 20 countries. Her approach uniquely combines legal precision with PR foresight—ensuring that organizations under reputational, regulatory, or geopolitical pressure not only survive but maintain operational integrity and public trust.

A standout example of this was her leadership in crafting and executing crisis PR strategies for companies affected by international sanctions. These strategies safeguarded reputations while simultaneously mitigating legal exposure in over 10 key markets. Through coordinated legal-communications frameworks, she helped businesses maintain access to financial services, retain strategic partnerships, and continue international operations—achievements that speak to both legal mastery and reputational resilience.

Polina also brings PR sensibility into the heart of brand architecture. She has successfully structured marketing campaigns in tightly regulated industries like alcohol and tobacco, delivering legally sound yet creatively vibrant campaigns that reached over 3 million users. These campaigns not only complied with varying national advertising laws but were also recognized with multiple industry awards, highlighting her ability to fuse compliance with competitive positioning.

Further demonstrating her cross-functional leadership, Polina has advised on the launch of media platforms, lifestyle venues, and digital products with valuations up to $10M—each requiring a coordinated legal and PR foundation to build credibility, manage public messaging, and support investor relations. Her experience structuring high-profile media deals with global entertainment leaders such as Netflix, Warner Bros., and HBO speaks to her deep involvement in content rights, brand alignment, and stakeholder positioning.

Polina’s excellence lies in her strategic ability to ensure that every public-facing message is not only compelling but legally secure—an essential asset in a world where media exposure, market regulation, and litigation risk are deeply intertwined.

In an industry increasingly shaped by public perception and legal scrutiny, Polina Varfolomeeva exemplifies what it means to lead with clarity, integrity, and cross-border influence. Her achievements position her as a clear frontrunner for the Outstanding PR Achievement award.

Aleksei Grigorenko has transformed car audio sales through innovative direct sales strategies. By combining a high-performance website with personalized customer interactions via Facebook, he created a unique sales ecosystem that bypasses traditional retail channels. His approach focuses on building trust and delivering tailored solutions in a niche market where personal connection drives success. Key Context Points: Industry Challenge: Premium car audio customers often prefer hands-on buying experiences. Solution: Personalized sales consultations via Facebook Messenger paired with a streamlined website checkout process. Outcome: Significant growth in customer retention and average order value through relationship-based selling. Revenue Growth: Scaled from 4,492 USD (2022 year) to 3,38M USD (2024 year) Team: Built remote team of specialists