Irina Popova

Irina is an expert practitioner in digital business transformation, building data-driven management systems, and real-time business analytics. Her current roles include the following:

• Author and director of the SKOLKOVO School of Management education program "Transition to Data-Driven Management: A Step-by-Step Algorithm for Business Leaders" program, designed for business owners and management teams focused on enhancing business efficiency and strengthening market positions through restructuring management models and leveraging data as a driver of business development.
• Founder and CEO of New Level Business, a company that delivers a full suite of data-driven management system development services: from methodology design and data architecture to creating analytical products that deliver rapid improvements in key business metrics.
• Advisor to shareholders on digital transformation and as a member of advisory boards for major Russian holdings, including DOGMA Group (TOP-3 developers in Russia) and EcoShipping Group (logistics); previously collaborated with WestLink Group (telecom, IT).

Irina is a regular invited speaker at strategic sessions and corporate events for companies such as MARS / Royal Canin, Innotech, Russian Railways (RZD), MELON FASHION GROUP (brands ZARINA, Befree, LOVE REPUBLIC, SELA, IDOL), Megafon, DOGMA Group, 3 Logic Group, Element Leasing, and others.

Her practical experience spans over 30 digital transformation and data-driven management system projects in companies with turnovers from 5 to 120 billion rubles across sectors including development, insurance, logistics, telecom, agriculture, HoReCa, distribution, and wholesale B2B trade.

Methodology and Professional Focus

The core professional focus today is developing management models where data and analytics form the foundation of strategic and operational decisions.

At the center of professional interest is creating and advancing applied methodologies that enable building data-driven management with minimal resources and in tight timelines, ensuring operational efficiency growth and enhanced business competitiveness.

The methodology draws from project implementation practices and includes proprietary frameworks and tools such as Data-driven Company, Data-driven Canvas, Data-driven Blueprint, Dashboard Ecosystem, as well as methods for embedding data and analytics into the management cycle.

Participation in SKOLKOVO School of Management Education Programs

Irina contributes to the development and delivery of educational programs at SKOLKOVO School of Management targeted at executives and entrepreneurs. She serves as a visiting senior lecturer on several SKOLKOVO's programs, including:

• Data-Driven Business Management
• CPO: Product Strategy Management
• Digital Shift / AI Shift
• Exporters 2.0
• MBA
• Global Shift
• Executive MBA
• Master in Management Analytics

Corporate Management Experience

Irina possesses 16 years of corporate management experience in major Russian and international financial holdings. Held the position of Sales Director at companies including URALSIB Group, SOGLASIE Insurance Group, Zurich Insurance, and CARCADE Leasing.

Publications and Speaking Engagements

Author of analytical and practical materials on digital transformation and data-driven management, published on SKOLKOVO School of Management and RBC.PRO platforms, including:

• "How to Implement a Data-Driven Culture in a Company: A Practical Guide"
• "Business in the Era of Data: Effects of Transitioning to a Data-Driven Management System"
• "What Prevents Companies from Adopting a Data-Driven Approach and Accelerating Development"
• "How to Transition to Data-Driven Management and Recoup Investments"

Presentation at SKOLKOVO School of Management's Founding Day — "From People-Driven to AI/Model-Driven Business: How Management Models Are Evolving", dedicated to the evolution of management models and the role of data and AI in modern business.

Regular speaker at industry conferences and business events, including Tech Week, Digital4Food, DigitALL, as well as at business clubs Club First and "Atlanty."

Expertise

• Digital Business Transformation
• Data-Driven & AI-Driven Management
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Data Literacy for Leaders
• Change Management and Development of Analytical Maturity in Management Teams