KSENIA TARAKANOVA

VCA - is a global events agency committed to creating positive cultural impact. The mission of the agency - is to promote culture and to support talents via collaborations and partnerships between brands, cultural institutions and independent creative initiatives.

As a Co-Founder and CEO was responsible for setting up operational and business activities

• Set up of business processes in a start-up environment from the ground up, including the organization of the company's document workflow
• Coordination of accounting outsourcing vendor, communication with banks and consultants
• Hiring and on-boarding people
• Project management and project leading: communication with clients, content and financial planning, supervision of the work of internal and external teams
• Made strategic decisions to guide company's growth and expansion.
• Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
• Navigated challenges, adapting to changing market conditions and overcoming obstacles with resilience.
• Developed and executed comprehensive business strategy, aligning organisational goals with market opportunities and competitive landscape.
• Secured funding to support launch and growth, demonstrating persuasive communication and business acumen.
• Optimised daily operations to achieve maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Networked with industry leaders, cultivating mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Envisioned and spearheaded creation of successful business, demonstrating entrepreneurial drive and vision.

Сo-Founder, Creator and CEO, IKRA Platform

IKRA - International Gastronomic Festival and Platform

Mission: To create a global trend for Russian gastronomy by developing and promoting modern Russian cuisine both domestically and internationally.

Achievements within the platform:

- Established an international platform for industry professionals to communicate.

- Created an educational platform for exchanging experiences on an international level.

- Identified and supported Russian gastronomic innovations.

- Advanced internal gastronomic tourism.

- Unveiled the potential of Russian regional tourism.

- Enhanced the image of Russian chefs as ambassadors of modern Russian gastronomy.

Components of the IKRA platform:

- IKRA FESTIVAL: An international gastronomic festival in Sochi, Russia, dedicated to popularizing Russian cuisine and exploring new horizons in gastronomic tourism. Sochi

- IKRA TALKS: An educational platform that fosters opportunities for dialogue and knowledge exchange. Moscow.

IKRA EXPLORE: Gastronomic tours to unique locations in Russia with a mission to develop tourism and provide a unique gastronomic experience. Southern regions of Russia.

IKRA AWARD: An award for outstanding achievements in the field of gastronomy, focusing on ecology and conscious consumption, as well as the integration of modern technologies. Moscow.

As the creator and CEO of IKRA platform was responsible for:

1. Concept Development: Conceived and implemented the platform and festival concept, making strategic decisions to drive platform development.

2. Brand Identity: Developed the brand identity, mission, vision, and objectives for the platform and festival.

3. Financial Management: Secured funding, managed budgets, attracted sponsorships and investments, and oversaw ticket sales.

4. Marketing and PR: Executed comprehensive promotional activities, and devised and implemented effective PR and marketing strategies.

5. Event Management: Oversaw the organization and management of the festival, ensuring high-quality customer service.

6. Team Leadership: Led and managed the festival team, fostering team spirit and maintaining a positive work environment.

7. Government Collaboration: Collaborated with government institutions to support the development and sustainability of the festival and platform.