Polina Virr
Zürich
Summary
Seasoned and result-driven professional with decade of senior management experience, overseeing up to 150 professionals in supervision. Demonstrated expertise in leading sales and business development initiatives across various geographical regions. Well-versed in identifying and capitalising on new market opportunities, delivering business intelligence and advisory services, and exceeding revenue targets. Proven success in assessing market trends and risks, facilitating informed decision-making, forecasting sales projections, and leveraging consultative sales approach to navigate competitive landscape of business. Accomplished leader, excel at driving continuous improvement, creating strategic business plans, and ensuring alignment with firm’s mission and objectives. Exceptional leadership abilities with focus on optimising sales offering and client relationship processes. Possess EU passport, Swiss B-Permit.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Director
Oxford Business Group
05.2019 - Current
- Accelerated global sales by 27% YoY for sectorial research and oversaw team of four Regional Directors and 150+ employees
- Contributed to 20% of annual sales and tripled advisory project revenue over three years through execution of ad-hoc advisory and ESG projects for institutional and corporate clients
- Formed robust global partnerships and strengthened company's position in key markets across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe
Regional Director for Asia
Oxford Business Group
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Managed comprehensive operations across Southeast Asia, including human resources, research endeavours, project management, and event coordination
- Led successful completion of 20+ projects and ensured timely delivery and adherence to financial constraints
- Spearheaded regional training events biannually for team development
- Increased sales revenue from region by 25% through strategic initiatives and partnerships
- Augmented project profitability by 37%, while optimising sales offering and operational efficiency
Regional (Cluster) Manager
Oxford Business Group
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Supervised and developed teams across new and challenging markets, including Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Vietnam, Ghana, and Kenya
- Coached teams to adapt to diverse market conditions in alignment with regional strategies and objectives
- Boosted sales by 50% in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Vietnam and 80% in Ghana and Kenya markets
- Revitalized underperforming initiatives by optimising human resources and strategic approaches, resulting in successful relaunch of projects in Sri Lanka and Vietnam
Country Director
Oxford Business Group
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Steered country-wide projects and editorial team
- Secured new clients and maintained existing partnerships with top public and private sector firms, including CEOs
- Orchestrated successful conferences and networking events
- Delivered two landmark projects in Ghana that set new performance records, remaining most successful in company’s history and directly leading to promotion to Regional Cluster Manager
- Exceeded first-year sales targets by 25% and by 36% in following year
- Raised project profitability by 40% consecutively over two years
Marketing Director
Porsche Volkswagen Centre Ghana
Marketing Manager
Parex Bank (current Citadele Bank)
Education
Master of Business Administration - Specialisation in Marketing & Management
Tallinn University of Technology / Universidade de Vigo
Tallinn, EstoniaBachelor of Economics - Specialisation in Marketing - Cum Laude
Tallinn University of Technology
Tallinn, EstoniaSkills
- Strategic Sales Planning & Execution
- Global Business Development
- Team Management & Reporting
- International Projects Management
- Sales Leadership & Mentoring
- Negotiation & Communication
- New Partnerships Formation
- Market Expansion & Penetration
- Business Processes Improvement
Signature accomplishments
- Revolutionized and launched Oxford Business Group’s brand new sales offering, while successfully integrating within company’s CRM, training and accounting systems. Developed flag-ship projects for advisory branch, operating worldwide.
- Established Porsche Centre Ghana as first licensed Porsche Centre in West Africa, involving overseeing business strategies, annual marketing and PR, clients’ events/exhibitions, press-conferences, and social media presence.
- Enhanced brand awareness and devised complete marketing department in Parex Bank’s in Estonia. Acquired 30% new clientele via effective marketing initiatives.
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Estonian
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Russian
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Spanish
Upper intermediate (B2)
Italian
Elementary (A2)
German
Elementary (A2)
Affiliation
Advisor to Board, Estonian Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland (ECCS), 01/01/23, Present
Timeline
Managing Director
Oxford Business Group
05.2019 - Current
Regional Director for Asia
Oxford Business Group
01.2016 - 01.2019
Regional (Cluster) Manager
Oxford Business Group
01.2015 - 01.2016
Country Director
Oxford Business Group
01.2011 - 01.2013
Bachelor of Economics - Specialisation in Marketing - Cum Laude
Tallinn University of Technology
Marketing Director
Porsche Volkswagen Centre Ghana
Marketing Manager
Parex Bank (current Citadele Bank)
Master of Business Administration - Specialisation in Marketing & Management
Tallinn University of Technology / Universidade de Vigo
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