Open to opportunities

Ecaterina Smirnov

@ecaterinasmirnov

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Culture builder and people leader with 20+ years of experience.

Germany

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for a role that allows me to drive organizational change and foster a people-centric culture, with opportunities for growth and collaboration.

I am passionate about building great companies and have over 20 years of experience in various roles, including operator, business partner, and transformation driver. My focus is on creating real impact and shaping modern, people-centric businesses. I thrive in dynamic environments, particularly in tech, AI, climate, media, and VC/PE.

In my current role as Head of People at SumUP GmbH, I have successfully steered complex organizational shifts across Europe, leading to a 25% increase in operational agility. I have redefined the People Partner model and implemented frameworks that have significantly improved engagement and manager effectiveness. My previous experience as VP of People at Jack Morton Worldwide involved redefining the global employer brand and optimizing performance management, resulting in a 38% headcount increase and improved retention.

Throughout my career, I have focused on enhancing employee experience and fostering a culture of continuous growth. I have led initiatives that have cut ramp-up time for new hires by 42% and improved retention rates. My goal is to help companies scale with intention and build inclusive cultures that drive performance.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Head of People

Current

SumUP GmbH

Jan 2021 - Present (4 years 6 months)

Steered complex organizational shifts across Europe, leading multiple restructures, team merges, and strategic headcount adjustments that unlocked a 25% jump in operational agility without compromising culture. Rewired how we think about culture, performance, and leadership by rolling out candid feedback & talent density frameworks, upskilling managers through high-impact workshops, and translatin

Performance Management Leadership Development Employee Engagement Talent Density Frameworks

VP of People

Jack Morton Worldwide

Jan 2018 - Present (7 years 6 months)

Redefined Jack's global employer brand in partnership with the CCO and CHPO, integrating progressive and outcome-focused people and communications strategy to launch a unified EVP across the US and EMEA. Optimized performance management by co-designing role-specific growth frameworks across Product, Design, Engineering, and People teams, resulting in a 15% surge in internal mobility and accelerate

Employer Branding EVP Stewardship Performance Management Internal Mobility Succession Planning Total Rewards Market Intelligence

Director of Employee Experience

AKQA, Inc

Jan 2014 - Present (11 years 6 months)

Overhauled onboarding and integration by working closely with executive and discipline leaders globally, creating a more consistent, welcoming start for new hires that cut ramp-up time by 42%, improved 90-day eNPS by 50%, and 12-month retention by 18%. Replaced outdated performance processes embedding a culture of real-time feedback and continuous growth by championing a shift from legacy performa

Onboarding Performance Management Real Time Feedback Internal Mobility Career Development Culture Amp Lattice

VP of People

Modern Times Group

Jan 2013 - Present (12 years 6 months)

Led people operations and strategy for Modern Times Group, focusing on talent management and organizational development initiatives. Contributed to building a strong company culture and supporting business growth through effective HR practices.

Talent Management Organizational Development HR strategy People Operations Business Growth Employee Relations HR Policies Recruitment Performance Improvement

Global Head of People

Fantasy Interactive

Jan 2011 - Present (14 years 6 months)

Managed global people functions, overseeing HR initiatives and talent acquisition across various regions. Developed and implemented HR policies to support the company's international expansion and employee well-being.

Talent Acquisition HR Policies International Expansion Employee Well being Compensation Benefits HR Compliance Workforce Planning Employee Development Cross Cultural Communication

Principal People Partner Lead

R/GA Media

Jan 2008 - Present (17 years 6 months)

Served as a Principal People Partner Lead, providing strategic HR guidance and support to various business units. Focused on talent retention, performance management, and fostering a positive work environment.

HR Business Partnering Performance Management Employee Relations Workforce Planning HR Consulting Conflict Resolution Employee Engagement

Senior HR Business Partner

TiVO

Jan 2007 - Present (18 years 6 months)

Acted as a Senior HR Business Partner, aligning HR strategies with business objectives. Provided comprehensive HR support, including talent acquisition, employee development, and compensation management.

HR Business Partnering Talent Acquisition Employee Development Compensation Management HR strategy Employee Relations Performance Reviews Onboarding Policy Implementation

HR Business Partner

Chubb

Jan 2006 - Present (19 years 6 months)

Functioned as an HR Business Partner, supporting various departments with HR-related matters. Focused on employee relations, recruitment, and HR policy implementation to ensure a productive work environment.

HR Business Partnering Employee Relations Recruitment HR Policies Onboarding Benefits Administration HR Compliance Performance Support Conflict Resolution Data Management

HR & Operations Lead, Americas

TCG-Ivega

Jan 2001 - Present (24 years 6 months)

Led HR and Operations for the Americas region, overseeing human resources functions and operational efficiency. Implemented strategies to optimize workforce performance and support business growth.