Olga Dergunova Head of the Microsoft Representative Office in Russia and the CIS Date of Birth: 15.05.1965 Country: Russia

1. Olga Dergunova: A Trailblazing Executive in the Tech Industry
2. Humble Beginnings and Education
3. Early Career and Microsoft Foundation
4. Rise to Prominence
5. Success Through Collaboration
6. Personal Interests and Societal Involvement
7. Awards and Recognition

Olga Dergunova: A Trailblazing Executive in the Tech Industry

Olga Dergunova, a highly accomplished businesswoman and technology leader, has made significant contributions to the Russian and international IT landscape. She is the first and only woman to head a Microsoft representative office among the 56 such offices worldwide and has been instrumental in the company's growth and success in Russia and the CIS region.

Humble Beginnings and Education

Olga Dergunova was born in Moscow on May 15, 1965. She graduated with honors from the Russian Economic Academy named after Plekhanov in 1987 with a degree in cybernetics. After completing her graduate studies in 1991, she began her career as a programmer and software marketer.

Early Career and Microsoft Foundation

Dergunova joined the Microsoft representative office in Moscow in 1994 as the 13th employee. She played a pivotal role in launching the Microsoft Open License Program (MOLP), which introduced the concept of software licensing to Russia. This initiative, coupled with her success in establishing a strong distribution channel program, led to a significant increase in Microsoft's corporate sales.

Rise to Prominence

In 1995, Dergunova was appointed as the head of the Moscow representative office. Under her leadership, the office grew from 20 employees to 70, and its annual revenue increased from a few million dollars to $30-40 million. She navigated several political and economic crises that impacted Russia's economy, demonstrating her adaptability and crisis management skills.

Success Through Collaboration

Dergunova attributes her success to the exceptional team she has built and retained, which includes some of the most respected professionals in the Russian computer industry. Her leadership and dedication have been recognized within Microsoft and the industry at large, earning her numerous awards and accolades.

Personal Interests and Societal Involvement

Outside of her professional achievements, Olga Dergunova enjoys mountain skiing and tennis. She serves on the boards of several organizations, including the East West Institute, CLUB2015, and the Russian State Education Federation.

Awards and Recognition

2001: Named among The Wall Street Journal Europe's 30 Most Influential Businesswomen in Europe

2000: Received the International Computer Club Award for her outstanding contribution to the Russian and international IT industry

1999: Ranked number one in the "Information Technology and Telecommunications Industry" category of the "Top 100 IT Managers in Russia" rating by the Russian magazine PROFILE and Ward Howell International

1997: Awarded the National Prize for significant contribution to the development of the Russian IT market by the Dator Research Company, ranking first in the entire IT industry

1995-1999: Recognized as a top performer in various Russian industry reviews