Maria Stepanova Email & Phone Number

Dubai, Ae

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

A leading eco-tech startup providing AI-powered Reverse Vending Machines (RVM) and a digital reward system. Currently operates 370+ RVMs across the MENA region.Responsibilities:Led the product management for the company's RVM and digital product line in MENA, managed RVM deployments, optimized operations, and drove market expansion across MENA. Developed go-to-market strategies, streamlined app features, and enhanced user engagement through loyalty program and gamification. Managed PMO team of 10.Achievements:- Built PMO from scratch and promoted to C-level within 3 months.- Implemented market expansion strategies to improve delivery and service timelines across MENA. Scaled RVM network from 20 to 370 units in 18 months; secured contracts for 1,250 units by 2025 with key partners including ADNOC, PIF, Carrefour, and Coca-Cola.- Increased daily recyclable collection from 1,000 to 200,000 units, achieving 50M total recyclables collected (~2% of UAE's consumption).- Grew user base from 210 to 250K with 30% monthly growth; boosted active users from 92 to 185K.- Launched BI platform to monitor operational efficiency, reducing manual reporting by 350 hours per month.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

A major e-commerce fashion retailer operating under Global Fashion Group (GFG), which has €2.39B in annual revenue and operations in over 20 countries.Responsibilities:Conducted customer research and data analysis to improve user experience, optimize category performance, and support sustainability projects. Worked cross-functionally with UX, marketing, commercial, and operations teams to deliver actionable insights.Achievements / Example of projects:- Outlet development: researched users behavior and common attitude to outlets to develop UX of web & mobile app and bring marketing insights to promote outlet stream and increase sales by 2.3% within 6 month.- Premium packaging project: order boxes terms have been reviewed – reduced budget by 30%, gaps in operations have been identified – optimized delivery (PuPs, Last Mile Delivery) and utilization processes, items condition project has been prioritized.

Responsibilities:Led projects in performance, talent, and engagement management by developing and implementing HR solutions aligned with employee needs. Launch of B2E products, executed engagement surveys and implemented the OKR methodology to drive a high-performance culture.Achievements:- Achieved a 70% reduction in manual workload for HR teams by integrating Cornerstone software. - Launched and automated HR products (360 degree feedback, IDP) with 95% key talents employee participation rate and 40% improvement in their satisfaction of development metric.

A global professional services network, ranked among the Big 4. Annual revenue of $41.3B and over 250,000 employees worldwide.Responsibilities:Rebuilt HR operations for Strategy& Digital in Russia, including recruitment, branding, and training. Supported regional HR initiatives and internal mobility programs across EMEA.Achievements:- Hired 60% of the Moscow team for Strategy& Digital.- Implemented regional HR initiatives, enabling seamless internal mobility across the Middle East.

The largest staffing firm in Russia and CIS, with $229M in revenue and over 1,100 employees.Analyst to Team Leader, FinTech- Executed over 50 recruitment assignments in the fintech sector.- Recognized as "Top-biller of 2014," exceeding annual sales targets by 35%.- Built a team of 3 Project Managers.

Master Of International Business

Master's program in partnership with Tufts University, USA. Designed like a dual MBA-International Affairs master’s program, the MIB.

Cross-Registrant, Full-Time

Fields of study: Strategic Management, Competing Globally

Master Of International Business

Exchange program, Full-time Fields of study: Starting New Ventures, Leadership: Building Teams&Orgs

Specialist, Psychology

Graduation with honors