Last Name: Balakhnova

First Name: Elena

Desired Employment / Occupational Field: Creative Director / Brand Director / Design Director

Work Experience Profile: Innovative and results-driven Creative Director with over 15 years of experience leading high-impact design and branding initiatives across global markets. Known for a customer-centric approach and a keen eye for aesthetics, I specialize in crafting compelling brand narratives and developing category-defining design strategies. My career spans industry leaders and top-tier agencies, where I have driven substantial growth, launched successful brands, and managed international teams.

At DJI Innovations, I created and implemented a brand strategy that positioned DJI as a leader in the drone industry, a strategy that has been consistently followed for the past 10 years. I directed Kickstarter campaigns for Anker that raised over $5 million, expanding market reach and driving revenue growth, and I was honored with prestigious Red Dot and Golden Pin Design Awards in 2019.

In my recent role as Art Director at Amazon Sarl, I developed visually compelling advertising experiences for Amazon Devices, successfully managing campaigns across 10 European markets. My work included expanding into 4 additional European markets and the MENA region. By leveraging data-driven insights and collaborating with cross-functional teams, I optimized campaign performance and drove substantial business growth. With a strong focus on strategic communication and brand development, I am dedicated to creating innovative solutions that resonate with target audiences and deliver measurable results.

Academic Curriculum: HBX/Harvard Business School: Disruptive Strategy Certificate, 2016 Russian State University for the Humanities: Master of Arts in Philology, 1999

Expertise: Customer/Market Research; Strategic Brand Development; Category Design; Brand Communication and Design Strategy; Product Design; CMF and Product Matrix Development; Neuromarketing; Digital Merchandising; Project Management; Team Management; Copywriting

Technical Skills: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Lightroom); Figma; Sketch; Microsoft Office; Project Management Applications (Wrike, Asana); CMS (Tilda, WordPress); AI Application; Photography.

Language Skills (Written and Spoken): English, Chinese, Russian (native proficiency), Spanish (B2), French (B1), Luxembourgish (A2)

Soft Skills: Cultural Intelligence and Ability to Adapt in Multicultural Teams and Environments; Emotional Intelligence; Empathetic Leadership; Creative Visionary; Problem Solving and Efficiency; Communication Skills and Teamwork

‘I’ve developed a strong set of soft skills through working in fast-paced organizations like Amazon or DJI and in various environments (China, USA). I managed multicultural teams under pressure and tight deadlines. My cultural intelligence and adaptability allowed me to navigate diverse teams and ensure seamless communication and collaboration.

As an empathetic leader, I leverage emotional intelligence to resolve conflicts and foster a positive, inclusive atmosphere. I excel at problem-solving, staying efficient under stress, and consistently delivering results, even in the most challenging situations.

What sets me apart is my creative thinking and visionary mindset. I thrive on finding innovative solutions to complex problems, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and inspiring teams to think beyond the obvious. I also enjoy mentoring others, guiding them to tap into their creativity, and encouraging collaborative teamwork to achieve shared goals and drive sustained growth.’

Areas of Interest: Creative Direction and Creative Brand Strategy, Category Design, Brand Development, Project Management and Process Improvement, Innovation, Sustainable Development and Ethical Branding, Mentorship and Team Development

My Personal Vision of an Organization: ‘I seek to work in a company that values creativity and fosters a collaborative environment. This organization should prioritize design excellence, embracing data-driven approaches to marketing. I envision a workplace where cross-functional teams seamlessly work together to achieve results. I appreciate organizations that encourage open communication and support the professional growth of their employees, allowing for the exploration of new ideas and technologies. Ultimately, I want to contribute to a company that recognizes the importance of creative vision, teamwork, and cultural intelligence in achieving its goals.’

Added Value I Will Bring to Any Organization: ‘Versatile experience in creative leadership and brand strategy, having established market-leading brands through a comprehensive strategy that has remained effective for over a decade. Ability to use data-driven insights to apply neuromarketing knowledge and optimize marketing campaigns to drive business growth. My experience in managing and mentoring multicultural teams fosters a collaborative and innovative work environment. I am dedicated to continuous improvement and staying ahead of industry trends, which allows me to deliver impactful solutions that enhance brand visibility and customer engagement. My strategic mindset, creative vision, and focus on results make me a valuable asset to any organization seeking to achieve sustainable growth.’