With more than 16 years of experience in B2B marketing, Maria Balasova is a strategic, results- driven marketing leader with expertise in both direct and channel-led marketing. Her
experience includes developing integrated demand generation programmes that accelerate
pipeline growth, as well as creating thought leadership initiatives that strengthen brand
Positioning.

As Head of Regional Field and Partner Marketing for EMEA at Ciena, Maria oversees the
regional marketing strategy and execution to drive brand mindshare and revenue growth across priority solutions and industry verticals. She also leads marketing initiatives with key channel

partners, building joint marketing programmes that drive shared business objectives and
expand market reach.

Passionate about aligning marketing with business strategy, Maria is committed to fostering
cross-functional collaboration and leveraging data analytics and innovation to deliver high-
impact marketing programmes. She holds a Master’s degree in Marketing from Kingston University London.