What path did you take after completing your education at St Hilda's School?
After graduating from high school, I completed a double Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Marketing at Bond University, where I achieved the highest GPA in the Marketing faculty. After university, I returned to Russia to be with my family and began my career at Mercedes-Benz as an Accounting intern. I was later promoted to Financial Controller and Treasurer for the entire plant.
Eventually, I decided to explore the marketing side of my career and joined the leadership program at Colgate-Palmolive. I was later promoted to Brand Manager for Palmolive’s female shower gel line. After that, I was recruited by Coca-Cola in Russia to lead marketing efforts for the flagship brand, Coke.
In 2019, just before COVID, I met my future husband, and we decided to move back to Australia with our respective companies. I now oversee marketing for all Coca-Cola Trademark brands, including Fanta, Sprite, Kirks, Mount Franklin, Powerade, and, of course, Coca-Cola. I'm based in Pyrmont, Sydney, and am enjoying life in the city. We now have a two-year-old, and while being a working mum has its challenges, I love every aspect of it.
Were there any unexpected or unplanned outcomes throughout your journey?
There’s no set career path—you have to work with what you have and be willing to take risks. For instance, when I transitioned from Mercedes to Colgate, I moved from a mid-management full-time position to a junior contract role in marketing. It was a risk, but I’m glad I took the leap, as it has led me to where I am today. External factors, such as the war in Russia, have also impacted career opportunities and the global situation. In these moments, it’s important to focus on what you can control and let go of what’s beyond your power.
Can you share a fond memory from your time in School and explain how your journey at St Hilda's has influenced the person you have become?
Boarding was the highlight of my entire school experience. I met girls during that time who remain a close part of my life—we still have a group chat on Facebook and organise regular catch-ups. It’s become my safe and supportive social circle. I also vividly remember the house plays at the Gold Coast Convention Centre—they were such a big deal! At the time, I didn’t participate because I wasn’t involved in drama or acting, but on the night, I regretted not being a part of it. That experience taught me to say ‘yes’ to opportunities, and since then, I almost always do. I also loved all the house events, like cross country and athletics—those were such fun times, especially with my Melaleuca teammates
How did you get into Sailing?
I have been sailing from very young age back in Russia and when I moved to Gold Coast it was disappointing that St HIldas initially did not have a sailing program, but soon we organised for me to attend the brother school TSS to get back on the water and win some medals on the regattas. Interestingly I am still sailing back in Sydney on Saturdays and loving it.
What does being appointed your role at Coca-Cola mean to you?
I feel an immense sense of pride working for the number one brand in the world, known for its iconic red bottle. I love having the opportunity to make decisions that influence what people across Australia see in stores, at their local pub, or even at the cinema when they grab their groceries or enjoy a night out.
What are you currently pursuing and how has this changed your life as it is today?
I’m now focused on achieving a work-life balance, as raising a family can be demanding, but incredibly rewarding. As a family, we love to travel and explore new places together. In addition, I enjoy learning new skills as a personal hobby, constantly pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. Recently, I took up flying trapeze—while it’s terrifying, it’s all about stepping outside of familiar boundaries and growing as an individual.
