Irina Gushchina has been working in PR and communications for over 20 years. She holds an MBA degree in Communication and Leadership from Quadriga University of Applied Sciences (Berlin, Germany).
In 2018, Irina co-founded the regional chapter of the international association Global Women in PR, which was transformed into the independent professional association Great Women in PR. Eurasia in 2023. It unites female PR practitioners who have achieved a prominent professional level and share the female empowerment values.
In her professional business background, Irina held such positions as PR Director at DiDi, the world’s leading mobility technology platform, Corporate Affairs Director for KFC (Yum! Brands) in Central and Eastern Europe, Communication Director for Uber in Russia and the CIS, Public Affairs Director at Abbott, Head of Communications and Strategic Alliances at Pfizer, the world’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturer. In the beginning of her career, Irina worked in journalism and PR consulting for about six years, including at the international PR agency Edelman.
Irina is the winner of many professional awards, including Sabre Awards EMEA and IPRA Golden World Awards. She has been a long-time member of the jury for international professional awards such as the Digital Communication Awards (EU, Berlin), Romanian PR Awards, and Silver Mercury (Eastern Europe).