Victoria Aristova – Marketing and Communications Expert
I am Victoria Aristova, a marketing and communications professional with over 20 years of experience, specializing in creative strategy, digital transformation, and brand development. I was born in Moscow, Russia, and spent part of my childhood in Germany. After completing my last two years of high school in Moscow at a specialized mathematics school, I pursued a degree in Applied Mathematics at the Moscow University of Electronics and Mathematics, now part of the Higher School of Economics.
During my university years, I discovered a passion for marketing, advertising, and event management, alongside my interest in mathematics and physics. This led me to further my understanding of branding and the psychological influence of advertising by pursuing additional studies in psychology at Moscow State University. At the same time, I began producing electronic music concerts, collaborating with international DJs and artists from the UK and Italy, which marked the beginning of my career in marketing. I formed partnerships with FMCG brands to promote their products at these events, bridging my analytical background with the creative world of business.
My professional journey took a significant leap when I joined TBWA, a leading global creative advertising agency within the Omnicom Group. Over eight years, I developed and executed 360-degree communication strategies for renowned brands such as Danone, Pepsi, Adidas, Nissan, Beiersdorf, Unilever, and Diageo. I managed campaigns across TV, digital, and OOH, with a focus on BTL (below-the-line) marketing to boost brand engagement and sales. I also participated in Strategic Disruption sessions with creative teams from various countries, broadening my perspective on global marketing and innovation, which significantly enhanced my strategic thinking.
After TBWA, I was invited to join ENKA TC, a leading retail network headquartered in Istanbul, where I headed the marketing, advertising, and research department for their shopping centers across Russia. I was responsible for building the department from the ground up, assembling a dynamic team of seven professionals. Together, we managed everything from branding and communication strategies to the development of new brands and promotional activities. Our campaigns significantly increased tenant sales and strengthened the brand presence across 10 shopping centers in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. I also worked closely with branding agencies from London, Los Angeles, Istanbul, and Milan, bringing international expertise to local projects.
Seeking to deepen my expertise in creative industries, I pursued education in Fashion Business at the British Higher School of Art and Design, a prestigious institution known for its innovative programs in graphic design, product design, fashion, and visual communications. Under the guidance of an Italian curator, I merged my marketing background with the creative world of fashion, gaining a unique skill set that bridges business and creativity.
After completing my studies, I took on the role of Industry Relations Manager at the British Higher School of Art and Design, where I developed and managed corporate education programs and partnerships. A key achievement was launching the Textile Design program, where I negotiated a partnership with Roland brand, a global leader in digital textile printing. This collaboration resulted in the establishment of the Roland Digital Textile Academy, providing students with hands-on experience in digital textile printing, a growing industry sector. I also developed and led the Britanka Gallery e-commerce project, collaborated with alumni to create exclusive collections, and ran various PR and marketing initiatives to increase the school’s visibility.
Following my time at the British Higher School of Art and Design, I joined The North Face, a legendary outdoor brand known for its "Never Stop Exploring" concept, as DigitalPR and Marketing Manager. I was responsible for developing and executing digital strategies to enhance the brand's presence in the Russian market, ensuring alignment with global strategies while addressing local needs. I worked closely with 37 ambassadors, including athletes and celebrities, to create impactful content and utilized social media analytics to monitor brand health and refine strategies, significantly boosting engagement.
I then transitioned to WildBrain CPLG, a global licensing agency representing iconic brands like Peanuts, Paw Patrol, and Sonic. As a Marketing and PR Strategist, I enhanced the positioning of over 20 brands in the Russian and CIS markets. I conducted in-depth market research, identified emerging trends like the growth of K-pop and Chinese animation, and used insights to shape expansion strategies. To optimize content creation, I leveraged AI tools such as ChatGPT and MidJourney, enhancing content relevance and efficiency.
Alongside my professional work, I have contributed to education and cultural projects. As a guest lecturer at the British Higher School of Art and Design in Moscow, I taught courses on sustainable marketing, event management, and corporate PR, mentoring students through practical, industry-based case studies. Additionally, I have been the Executive Producer of VeloNotte, an international non-profit cycling event that promotes urban landscapes and city history. VeloNotte has taken place in cities like Rome, London, Berlin, and Moscow, attracting thousands of participants. My responsibilities included partnership development, sponsor relations, logistics coordination, and content creation, further enhancing my ability to drive impactful, community-focused projects.
Currently based in Lille, in the North of France, I am leveraging my international expertise to explore new opportunities in the local market. With over 20 years of experience in marketing and brand strategy, I am adapting to the French business environment while deepening my understanding of regional trends, consumer behaviors, and communication practices. I am actively learning French and building connections with professionals across Europe to ensure my strategies align with local regulations and cultural nuances.
My goal is to apply my global experience in creative leadership and digital transformation to drive impactful projects in the European market.