Natalia Sokolova

SEREDNA GLOBAL GROUP, New York, NY   September 2007–  present
      Partner & Chief Investment Officer     

         Founded the company to capitalize on the compelling opportunities in The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and provide access and professional advice to international investors looking to deploy capital in projects across various business sectors within CIS.

         Formulated Seredna overall strategy including identifying target clients, markets and key focus industry sectors.

         Current engagements include projects in Real Estate and Natural Resources in Russia & CIS.

EXQUISITE PLANNING, LLC, New York,  NY    March  2007–  present
       CEO                                                                                                                                                             
          Started event planning company www.equisiteplanning.com that focuses on organizing philanthropic, social and corporate events in New York city. 

Designer License Holding, DLH LLC (Bill Blass Jeans & Earl Jeans), New York, NY   March 2007 – December 2007
       Director of Business Development                                                                                         

          Worked closely with the CEO and top management on the company business plan focusing on Bill Blass & Earl Jeans lines with the main objective of  capitalizing on the brand attributes and  creating competitive advantage in the international marketplace.

          Lead the research and feasibility effort to identify efficient distribution channels.

          Initiated the relocation of the manufacturing of the lines to various factories in China and Japan following detailed research and feasibility on the economic viability of the relocation.

          Identified eCommerce providers to create a strong eCommerce platform that would centralize the order placement and fulfillment, call centers, warehousing, and the Americas distribution network.

BIDZ.COM (NASDQ: BIDZ), Culver   City, CA         October 2004 – December 2006
Director of Marketing and Public Relations                                                                              

          Directed the Company’s marketing and PR initiatives including all online advertising increasing sales revenue from $4MM to $14MM a month over 25 months.

          Collaborated with agencies and other companies on marketing, advertising and PR campaigns.

          Optimized campaigns for maximum effectiveness and efficiency resulting in significant increase in brand awareness.

          Managed a team of 8 people and responsible for an annual marketing and PR budget of $12MM.

          Worked with the board of directors and underwriters in connection with the BIDZ.COM IPO.

United Licensing Group, ULG LLC,  Beverly Hills, CA   April 1999 – October 2004
Vice President                                                                                                                                  

          Worked on strategic execution and development of Playboy Brand and Rabbit Head Logo Design licensing from raw stages.

          Monitored licensees for product quality, proper execution of the agreement, and compliance with labeling and distribution.

          Coordinated licensees for joint marketing purposes and responsible for design and quality approval.

          Investigated and handled international licensing prospects.

          Researched locations with favorable environment for distribution of the Playboy merchandise.

          Conducted due diligence on licensing prospects including analyzing financial data and business plans.

          Helped grow licensing revenues for Playboy Enterprises International, Inc. from an insignificant amount in 1999 to over $20MM in 2004.

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND,  College Park, MD    May 1998

Bachelor of Science, International Business and Finance, Cum Laude                                                                      

Internships                                                        

US Chamber of Commerce, International Division, European Affairs, Washington DC     May 1997 – September 1997

         Researched and analyzed political grounds and events.

         Wrote articles for weekly news releases on Eastern Europe.

         Organized conferences and briefings in the Capitol and the Department of Commerce.

Legg Mason, Office of Alexander Paris , Washington DC,  April 1996 – September 1996

          Wrote articles for weekly news releases on Eastern Europe.

          Organized conferences and briefings in the Capitol and the Department of Commerce.

          Participated in meeting and briefings with government officials of various countries.

Other Activities

          Member of Golden Key National Honor Society

          Model United Nations Delegate (09/95 – 05/97)

          Member of Finance, Banking & Investment Society at the University of MD

          Member of Financial Management Association International

          Member of Organization of Foreign Business Students

          Published poetry in Iliad Press, USA