Ekaterina Firsova - HR Director
Ekaterina’s unwavering dedication has significantly contributed to the growth of Atenar. With expertise in improving global HR communication and managing a 400+ workforce, she has elevated performance in HR policies, GDPR compliance, travel policies and recruitment processes, reducing operational expenses by over 50%.
Beyond Altenar, Ekaterina has been a featured speaker at high-profile events such as Highload, DotNext, DevrelConf, Devops Conf, Frontend Conf, and HRO EMEAs. She is also organiser of Altenar’s MaltaTechTalks, and a distinguished member of ITHR Awards Jury and HR Brand Awards.
Her success is rooted in a strategic mindset, proactive engagement and a deep passion for her work.
“You need to love your work and find something that you like. Only if you really enjoy your work can you be happy and effective. You can combine all those and still be proud of what we are doing.”
Maria Sandler - General Counsel
Maria oversees the legal and compliance department with over 16 years of experience, including private practice in the City of London and roles at two prominent investment banks. Despite handling numerous high-profile cases, her most significant professional achievement is qualifying as a lawyer.
Maria, a dedicated mother of five, played a crucial role in establishing and developing the legal team from its inception. Balancing a successful legal career with family life is Maria's proudest achievement.
“Be honest with yourself about what you want in life, there is no point working tirelessly in a job or an industry that you do not enjoy because of any external or societal pressures. Focus more on your inner voice rather than paying attention to what others around you may be doing or telling you to do. Find a career that complements your natural talents or abilities and act with integrity towards any fellow colleagues, competitors, etc - you never know when you might meet them again or need their help!”
Alexandra Rumyantseva - Head of Service Management
Alexandra is the vital link between client-facing teams and Technology Development/Operations. Collaborating closely with Commercial Account Management, Risk Management and Customer Service, she ensures seamless technical requirements and efficient issue resolution for operational excellence.
Originally Alexandra graduated with a major in linguistics specialising in international communication and pedagogy. She transitioned to IT at Altenar, where she successfully structured and expanded a team focused on business analysis functions and service management coordination.
She promotes a collaborative mindset, emphasising diversity, achievement recognition and effective communication. Believing in delegation and empowerment, Alexandra draws inspiration from successful strategies and expresses appreciation for valuable insights.
“I only get results when I believe in the purpose. Having empathy along the way is the key to success. Every day with just a small talk I enjoy encouraging and inspiring other women to believe in what we are doing together, how a personal impact makes the puzzle complete.”
Denise Vella - Director of Information Security
Denise oversees a robust framework protecting information assets for employees, customers and stakeholders. She ensures compliance with legal obligations, develops security architecture and conducts risk assessments.
With a background in electrical engineering, Denise has over 11 years of IT sector experience and, as a mother of two, adds a valuable perspective to her role.
In 2019, Denise assumed the role of Head of Information Security at Altenar, leading efforts to expand her team and collaboratively secure multiple Gaming Licences and certifications.
A pivotal moment in her Altenar tenure was the achievement of ISO 27001 certification for the entire business in April 2022. This accomplishment, along with numerous other licences and certifications held by Altenar, underscores Denise's commitment to elevating the company's security posture.
Noteworthy is her success in fostering a security-conscious culture and active engagement among employees, despite the diverse global locations of Altenar's offices.
Denise emphasises the significance of diligence, a positive attitude, and ongoing learning as crucial elements for success. She places importance on maintaining strong professional relationships and adopting a pragmatic approach, underscoring the value of having a team with the right competencies.
In a rapidly evolving business environment, Denise advocates for a flexible and adaptable approach, acknowledging the inevitability of changing circumstances. Furthermore, she recognises the importance of setting policies and conducting training to ensure everyone is aligned and aware of their responsibilities, contributing to the attainment of overarching objectives.
“As a mother of two young children, striking a balance between work and home life and keeping up to date with learning isn't simple. However, with supportive companies like Altenar and the right work ethic, it's possible to navigate successfully. Consistency is key, and the entire journey is rewarding in itself. Personally, I like planning family travels and short breaks to ensure there's always something to look forward to.”
In conclusion, such success stories of women will hopefully inspire others, offering a roadmap for overcoming challenges. These narratives create a culture of empowerment, diversity and inclusivity, shaping a future where women's achievements continue to break barriers and reshape industries.
Happy International Women's Day!
Visit Altenar website to gain comprehensive insights into the company, values, and the impactful solutions we provide.
Source: GMB
