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Vladimir LenskyExecutive Director of the television company <NTV-Plus>
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- Vladimir Lensky: Executive Director at Television Company
- Joining "NTV-Plus"
- Making an Impact
- Leadership Journey
- From Construction to Medical Equipment
- Entry into Sales
- Success at Toshiba
- Joining Gambro
- Business School Education
- Transition to the Meat Trade
- Meeting Vladimir Gusinsky
- Guiding "NTV-Plus"
Vladimir Lensky: Executive Director at Television Company
Early Career in TradePrior to entering the media industry, Vladimir Lensky worked in leading international medical equipment companies for eight years. He saw parallels between trade and television, emphasizing effective cost management and marketing strategies.
Joining "NTV-Plus"
In April 1999, media mogul Vladimir Gusinsky offered Lensky the role of Executive Director at "NTV-Plus." Despite Lensky's lack of experience in television, Gusinsky recognized his commercial acumen.
Making an Impact
Within five months, Lensky had improved marketing and increased subscriber growth exponentially. He promised to make "NTV-Plus," Russia's most expensive television project at the time, profitable within two years and achieve break-even point by the end of 2001.
Leadership Journey
Lensky became the third company's first leader. His earlier career trajectory included roles at Gambro, Toshiba Medical Systems, and Bruel & Kjaer. He consistently held senior positions.
From Construction to Medical Equipment
After graduating from the Moscow Institute of Transport Engineers in 1984, Lensky worked as a foreman in a construction trust. In 1986, he moved to the Ministry of General Machine Building, where he became involved in purchasing medical equipment.
Entry into Sales
Lacking medical expertise, Lensky immersed himself in the industry by attending conferences and reading literature. In 1989, he joined Bruel & Kjaer as a sales manager, where he achieved significant growth.
Success at Toshiba
In 1992, Lensky joined Toshiba Medical Systems as a regional sales manager. He played a role in increasing sales from $6 million to $35 million by 1995.
Joining Gambro
After declining an offer from Siemens, Lensky became General Manager of Gambro's Moscow office in 1994. He led the company's sales, service, finance, and administrative efforts.
Business School Education
Lensky pursued an MBA at Chicago GSB, completing it part-time while working at Gambro. This helped him develop his financial management skills and embrace a financial planning approach to company management.
Transition to the Meat Trade
In 1998, Lensky became the CEO of a Russian subsidiary of a major American meat trading company. This risky move exposed him to crisis management but ultimately proved challenging due to resistance from the company's owners.
Meeting Vladimir Gusinsky
Lensky's company was a client of Most-Bank, owned by Vladimir Gusinsky. Through their interactions, Lensky learned about the "NTV-Plus" satellite project.
Guiding "NTV-Plus"
In 1999, Lensky embraced the opportunity to lead "NTV-Plus." He was impressed by the strong financial foundations and saw great potential in the venture.
