Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Work Schedule
Driver License
Hobbies and Interests
Employment Type
Languages
Timeline
Maria Esakova

Maria Esakova

Moscow

Summary

Market research professional with a strong focus on actionable insights and data-driven strategies. Proven track record of driving impactful results by utilizing skills in data analysis, consumer behavior, and market trends. Recognized for effective collaboration within teams, adaptability, and reliability in meeting dynamic project demands. Proficient in qualitative and quantitative research methods, with a keen understanding of market dynamics and competitive landscapes.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Market Research Consultant

Freelance
05.2009 - Current
  • Conducted 200+ strategic research projects (qualitative/quantitative) across pharmaceuticals (OTC/Rx), telecom, FMCG, banking, insurance, and other markets
  • Organized and moderated 150+ focus groups and in-depth interviews (online/offline) with consumers, healthcare professionals, and executives
  • Guided product launch strategies with accurate assessments of local markets' needs, opportunities, and barriers to entry for new offerings.
  • Designed Customer Journey Maps (CJM) and UX research for 10+ companies, improving user experience and increasing conversion by 15%
  • Developed comprehensive competitive analysis reports for improved marketing strategies.
  • Established productive partnerships with external vendors including survey providers, data analysts, and industry experts.
  • Delivered insightful presentations to stakeholders that clearly articulated key findings from extensive market analyses, resulting in informed decision-making across departments.
  • Strengthened client relationships through consistent delivery of high-quality market research projects completed within budgetary constraints.
  • Boosted client satisfaction by conducting thorough market research and delivering actionable insights.
  • Assisted clients in identifying target markets through demographic profiling, psychographic analysis, and focus group facilitation.
  • Conducted in-depth customer surveys to understand consumer preferences and trends, effectively informing product development decisions.
  • Devised questionnaires, surveys and open forum discussions to generate real-time data collection from target demographic.
  • Developed questionnaires and facilitated focus group discussions.
  • Assembled reports and presentations to share insights and recommendations with stakeholders.
  • Used various market research tools and techniques to gather, analyze and interpret data.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement market research strategies.

Strategic Planning Manager

Advertising Agency Avrora
11.2004 - 04.2009
  • Developed creative platforms and positioning strategies for 10+ brands
  • Developed comprehensive business strategies for long-term growth, leading to increased profitability and market share.
  • Presented findings from market analyses to senior leadership, providing valuable insights that informed decision-making processes.
  • Conducted market analysis (Gallup M’Index) and competitive benchmarking to identify growth opportunities
  • Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
  • Analyzed competitors’ advertising campaigns, optimizing client communications and boosting ad ROI by 20%
  • Managed partnerships with research agencies, ensuring on-time and on-budget project delivery

Market Research Manager

Advertising Agency Media Arts FCB
06.2001 - 10.2004
  • Executed 50+ market studies using Media Arts FCB’s 'Mind and Mood' methodology (home visits, in-depth interviews, creative focus groups)
  • Produced 30+ reports and presentations that informed brand promotion strategies
  • Collaborated on creative campaign platforms, increasing campaign effectiveness by 15%
  • Facilitated data-driven decision making within the organization using actionable market intelligence derived from various sources.
  • Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to develop targeted campaigns based on research findings.

Lead Specialist, Qualitative Research Department

GfK
01.2000 - 12.2001
  • Managed focus groups, interviews, and commercial proposals
  • Reduced operational costs by identifying inefficiencies and implementing cost-saving measures in various departments.
  • Developed strong client relationships through consistent communication, understanding their needs, and delivering tailored solutions.

Director, Pharmaceutical Research Department

F-Squared
01.1997 - 12.2000
  • Oversaw research projects for pharmaceutical clients

Education

M.D. - Internal medicine

Moscow Medical Academy
  • Study Abroad: Medical student exchange program - Columbia University, New York

Skills

  • Qualitative research: focus groups, in-depth interviews (online and offline), demographic studies
  • UX/CJM
  • Data Interpretation
  • SWOT analysis
  • Customer Experience Management
  • Pricing strategy
  • Quantitative Data Evaluation
  • Market Competition Analysis
  • Survey Development
  • International Consumer Insights
  • Consumer Insights Analysis
  • Customer Segmentation Insights
  • Study Design
  • Project Oversight
  • Effective Client Presentations
  • Data Collection Tools Development
  • Proficient Interviewing Skills
  • Data-Driven Hypothesis Evaluation
  • Strategic Recommendations
  • Consistent Project Delivery
  • Results-Oriented
  • Competitive Landscape Assessment
  • Brand positioning
  • Competitor PR strategy analysis
  • Data visualization
  • Bilingual delivery
  • MS PowerPoint
  • MS Word
  • MS Excel
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Lightroom
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Organizational skills
  • Team leadership
  • Creative thinking
  • Time management abilities
  • Effective communication
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Adaptability
  • Analytical thinking
  • Presentation skills

Accomplishments

  • Successful Market Entry Strategies, Researched and recommended strategies that led to a 15-20% increase in market share for 10+ brands.
  • New Product Development, Contributed to the creation and launch of 5+ new products that became category leaders (e.g., Product X with $2 million annual revenue).
  • Communication Optimization, Analyzed and tested advertising materials, boosting their effectiveness by 25%.
  • Team Training & Development, Trained 20+ junior researchers, improving project quality and speed by 30%.
  • Global Expertise, Presented research findings at 50+ international seminars, adapting insights for multinational teams.

Work Schedule

  • Full-time
  • Shift Work
  • Flexible Hours
  • Remote Work

Driver License

Category B

Hobbies and Interests

Photography (documentary and studio)

Employment Type

  • Full-time
  • Part-time
  • Project-based

Languages

Russian
Native language
English
Upper intermediate
B2

Timeline

Market Research Consultant - Freelance
05.2009 - Current
Strategic Planning Manager - Advertising Agency Avrora
11.2004 - 04.2009
Market Research Manager - Advertising Agency Media Arts FCB
06.2001 - 10.2004
Lead Specialist, Qualitative Research Department - GfK
01.2000 - 12.2001
Director, Pharmaceutical Research Department - F-Squared
01.1997 - 12.2000
Moscow Medical Academy - M.D., Internal medicine

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Maria Esakova