Olga Pleshakova tops the rating of most influential business women in Russia

CEO of Transaero, Olga Pleshakova, tops the annual rating of 50 most influential business women in Russia made by Kompaniya magazine, the carrier’s press-service reports. The annual rating has been published by the magazine on the eve of International Women’s Day since 2010. This year’s rating is based on the arithmetical average of individual score, awarded by experts on a 100-point scale. The magazine involved more than 20 experts from the business community in the survey. “Aviation is an area where leadership is proved by actual achievements", - Olga Pleshakova stated. “I like this job, because it allows me to use my individual and professional potential. Here I can achieve results that are recognized in Russia and foreign countries. Moreover, I like the fact that millions of people make their choice in favor of the airline that I lead. This fact demonstrates the high level of their confidence and we must live up to their expectations every day and every hour". Olga Pleshakova graduated from the Moscow Aviation Institute and has a PhD in Technical Sciences degree. She joined Transaero Airlines in 1992. She worked at the company as an expert, senior expert, head of department, deputy director general and first deputy director general. On May 21st, 2001 Olga Pleshakova was appointed CEO of Transaero and became the first woman in Russia to head an airline. Under her leadership Transaero’s passenger turnover has increased 52 times. The airline has made the list of the 10 largest airlines in Europe and top 30 carriers of the world. Transaero has the largest fleet of wide-body aircraft in Russia, CIS Region and Eastern Europe. In addition, Olga Pleshakova has been awarded with the honorary degree “The honored transport industry worker of the Russian Federation"; Medal “For Honor and Valiance"; Medal “Patron of Arts"; Order of Saint Olga; Medal “In Commemoration of the 850th Anniversary of Moscow"; St. Petersburg Governor’s Certificate of Merit; Oryol Region Governor’s Certificate of Merit and “Air Transport Expert" Award Pin. She is a presidium member of the Chamber of Trade and Commerce of the Russian Federation and a member of the Public Chamber of Moscow. “Olga Pleshakova has been featured in many ratings of the most influential business women. In 2012 and 2013 she was the only representative of Russian Federation to make the list of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business published by Fortune magazine”, - the press-service added.