I hold a Ph.D. in Sociology (University of Pennsylvania) and an MBA (MIT Sloan School of Management).
Strategy Consulting
The Walt Disney Company Russia and The Walt Disney Studios Global Content Licensing
International Content Distribution
Global Deals for Paramount Plus and Pluto TV
My background equips me to navigate complex international markets effectively, ensuring that I can identify and capitalize on opportunities that may be overlooked.
My approach combines a deep respect for local markets and a keen understanding of their needs and key players.
Establishing and maintaining relationships with C-level executives is at the heart of my business strategy.
I understand the nuances of different regions and can guide businesses in securing the right deals that enhance their global reach. My goal is to maximize content value while ensuring compliance with local regulations.
In today's fast-paced business environment, having a robust strategy for market growth is essential. I specialize in developing tailored strategies that focus on expanding market presence and driving revenue.
Throughout my career, I have cultivated a diverse skill set that encompasses various aspects of international business development.
Why does this matter? Being intentional about international expansion is key. It may be a long haul, yet the one which will bring results if done right.
Every company has it's own DNA - the roots of it's business, the strength, the key competitive advantage, the founding history, it's RAISON D'ÊTRET.
I believe that staying within your strength is important. Yes, some distribution companies can play in the field of content creation (e.g. The Roku Channel or Apple TV Plus) and content companies can play in DTC game by creating direct customer relationship (all DTC services). Yet, companies cannot afford to take away it's focus from it's core DNA.
Why does it matter? In 2024, entertainment industry is rediscovering its roots. Content companies should refocus on creating compelling new stories emerging from the creator economy, while distribution companies concentrate on innovating the ways content reaches consumers. .
Content distribution has always thrived on clever windowing strategies.
Why does this matter? Content distribution professionals need to return to sophisticated windowing approaches that integrate DTC as one component while embracing diverse distribution avenues for creators’ content.
Partnerships are vital in international markets, more so than in domestic.
Why?
Why does this matter? Deal-making will get more multi-faceted. The deals will continue to solidify relationships between:
Crafting deals that provider fair value exchange and future-proved is both the art and science of content distribution.
Since I was 15, growing up in Russia, I have been captivated by sociology and its core questions:
This passion for sociology and my move to the US in 1990 led me to the University of Pennsylvania, where I earned my M.A. and Ph.D. in Sociology.
I ultimately decided to leave academic world, but continued to teach at the London School Of Economics' branch in Moscow's Higher School of Economics for 4 years, combining it with my work in consulting.
The changes sweeping through Russia in the late 1990s were too compelling to ignore.
Back in Russia, with US education under my belt, I was conducting research for the Wharton School. And I received an unexpected offer from Price Waterhouse to join its management consulting group.
Over the next six years, I worked in strategy consulting across oil & gas, banking, state enterprises, and ultimately, a media company. It proved to be a strong foundation for my future career. In the end, I realized that media and entertainment was the industry I was truly passionate about. From that point on, there was no turning back.
Media and entertainment have been my passion for two main reasons:
My competency was forged at 3 great companies, each giving me a different angle for content distribution.
Disney:
Send me a message or ask me a question using this form. I will do my best to get back to you soon!
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