Alona Korober

Alona
Korober

Chief Operating Officer · General Manager
HR & People Leader · San Jose, CA

12+ years scaling organizations & building human-first cultures

Scroll

02 — Measurable Results

Impact by the Numbers

0
Headcount Growth
Built HR from the ground up — from 50 to 370 employees
10×
Profitability Growth
Over full tenure through operational excellence
~95%
Internal Manager Retention
Promote-from-within model; near-zero first-year management turnover
0
Reduction in Lead Losses
Via a comprehensive security & compliance program
4×
Higher 1-Year Employee Retention
Through structured training & peer-based onboarding
0
Headcount Growth During COVID
100% in-office operations maintained throughout lockdown

03 — Core Competencies

Skills & Expertise

Executive Leadership Strategic Planning General Management Project Management Risk Management Business Process Reengineering Cross-functional Coordination Personnel Development & Coaching Conflict Resolution
HR Systems Design Recruitment Strategy & Onboarding Compensation & Benefits Performance Management Employee Training & Development Coaching & Emotional Leadership Team Building & Motivation Culture Building Organizational Design
P&L Management Budget Forecasting Payroll Accounting Financial Analysis Cost Optimization Compensation Strategy Revenue Growth
B2B / B2C / B2G Sales Tender Preparation & Negotiation Client Relationship Management Marketing Strategy & Branding Event Organization & Management Online & Offline Campaigns Client Attraction
CRM Implementation & Optimization AI Tools & Automation Content Generation with AI Google Analytics Microsoft Office 365 Google Workspace IT Infrastructure Data Security & DDoS Protection
Public Speaking & Facilitation Copywriting & Article Writing English — Fluent Ukrainian — Native Russian — Native Polish — Basic Cross-cultural Communication

04 — Professional History

Experience

Oct 2017 – Jan 2026
Private Digital Sales Organization
Kyiv, Ukraine
Chief Operating Officer & General Manager Dec 2019 – Jan 2026
HR Operations & Organizational Scaling
Built and scaled HR operations from the ground up, establishing recruiting, onboarding, training, and employee development processes that supported 7× company growth, from 50 to 370 employees.
Internal Talent & Career Growth
Built a promote-from-within model and career paths for high-performing employees; filled virtually all management roles internally, retained ~95% of internally developed managers, and reduced first-year management turnover to near zero versus external hires typically leaving within 12 months.
Employee Training & Retention
Built a structured onboarding and sales training program combining role-specific training, coaching, and team placement; increased 1-year employee retention by 4× compared with direct external hires.
COVID Workforce Growth
Developed an operational strategy to maintain 100% in-office operations during COVID, overcoming workforce transportation constraints and enabling continued hiring; grew headcount by 48%, from 250 to 370 employees.
Sales Performance Development
Built an employee development system combining structured training, QA feedback, and manager coaching to improve sales performance; increased sales efficiency per lead by 2–4×.
Payroll Process Optimization
Redesigned and streamlined payroll operations as the organization scaled, reducing processing time while supporting significantly higher volume; increased payroll processing efficiency by 12×.
Data & Lead Security
Implemented a comprehensive security program across internal systems, CRM processes, and data access; reduced lead losses by 97%.
Operations & Administration Manager Sep 2018 – Nov 2019
  • Built administrative and financial infrastructure during organisational scaling phase
  • Managed payroll accounting, analytics, and financial reporting
  • Oversaw back-office: office management, IT support, security, and supply coordination
  • Established HR systems, processes, and foundational compensation structures
Sales Manager Oct 2017 – Aug 2018
  • Managed full-cycle B2C sales including client acquisition and account management
  • Consultative approach to matching client needs with service offerings
  • Developed sales strategies and client relationship management processes
Sep 2014 – Aug 2017
Avtoplaneta Holding
Kherson, Ukraine
Corporate Client Account Manager Apr 2015 – Aug 2017
  • Drove B2B, B2G, and B2C vehicle sales across private, commercial, and government sectors
  • Managed full tender cycle: identification, documentation, participation, and contract support
  • Negotiated agreements with new and existing clients; expanded strategic accounts
  • Created official social media presence; significantly boosted brand recognition
Event Manager / Marketer — BRP Showroom Sep 2014 – Mar 2015
  • Founded and developed the BRP Owners Club as a retention and sales tool
  • Organised off-road events showcasing vehicle capabilities; drove repeat purchases
  • Managed competitions and test drives at local, national, and international levels
  • Achieved 2× sales volume increase during tenure
Pre-2014
Early Career — Multi-Industry
Ukraine & International
Various Roles Across Industries (2008–2014) 2008–2014
  • Personal Assistant · ABS Metals (Ukraine–Lebanon) — International ops, business development, Canton Fair sourcing
  • Sales Manager · Reward Guaranty Group — Legal consulting, negotiations, contract management
  • Investment Analysis & Market Consulting — Financial instrument research, client advisory
  • Founder & Manager · Entertainment Centre & Event Agency — Children's events and community activities
  • Executive Director · Khersonrybholod — Launched fish processing facility; supply chain, staffing, regulatory compliance

05 — Academic & Professional

Education & Certifications

Education

2024–
2026
Coursework: Psychology & Leadership
Evergreen Valley College
San Jose, CA
Human Relations/Leadership · Research Methods · General Psychology · Stress Reduction · Developmental & Social Psychology
2017
Master's in Psychology
Kherson State University
Kherson, Ukraine
2007
Master's in Fine Art & Design
Kyiv University of Culture and Arts
Kyiv, Ukraine

Certifications

PHRca Certification (HRCI) — HR Associate, California
2026
Google Project Management Certificate
Google Career Certificates · 2026
Building Diverse, Inclusive & Safe Workplaces
Coursera · 2026
People Analytics
Wharton / University of Pennsylvania · 2026
Human Resources Analytics
UC Irvine · 2026
From Beginner to Expert in AI
AcademyOcean · 2025
AMFT — Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
BBS · In Progress

Languages

English
Fluent
Ukrainian
Native
Russian
Native
Polish
Basic
Belarusian
Basic

Community & Impact

Volunteer Leadership

Community Park & Embankment Revitalization
Kherson, Ukraine
Initiated and led a comprehensive park revitalization project. Organised sponsor search, volunteer coordination, community engagement, landscaping, and event execution.
Crisis Response & Humanitarian Leadership
War Crisis Response
Coordinated humanitarian aid distribution and emergency assistance. Organised charity auctions and relief efforts for affected communities and vulnerable populations.
Support Programs for Orphaned Children
Community Engagement
Organised creative activities, mentorship, and support programs. Built community connections demonstrating long-term commitment to vulnerable populations.

04 — Testimonials

References

S
Sam Baljian
Owner & Managing Director
ABS Metals, Beirut, Lebanon
"
Confirms high trust, initiative, adaptability, creativity, and leadership in an international business context.
M
Mia Pozniansky
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Evergreen Valley College
"
Highlights top academic performance, advanced analytical skills, leadership potential, and cultural sensitivity in psychological studies.
Y
Yevhenii Sokrut
Director, Municipal Utility Enterprise
Tsiurupynsk-Komunhosp, Ukraine
"
Official reference for community project leadership, volunteer engagement, and implementation of infrastructure upgrades.