Maria Landekhovskaya

Dr. Maria Landekhovskaya draws on extensive professional experience in international sporting events, specializing in strategy, marketing, and sustainability across global mega-events. Before entering academia, she advised high-profile organizations on the planning and execution of major international competitions, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Local Organizing Committee.

Previously, Dr. Landekhovskaya served as a Senior Strategy Consultant with the Chicago Sports Commission, where she led the development of a forward-looking strategic plan focused on priority market segments and initiatives to further strengthen Chicago’s position as a leading destination in the global sport tourism industry.

She has also held leadership roles with two global Olympic partners. At Dow Chemical Company, she served as Communications Leader of Olympic Operations, directing communications strategy for the Carbon Partnership tied to Dow’s Olympic sponsorship. Prior to Dow, she spent five years with The Coca-Cola Company as an Environmental Affairs and Sustainability Manager, where she developed the company’s corporate social responsibility strategy and led the integration of sustainability initiatives into global sponsorship platforms, including the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games and the FIFA World Cup 2010 Trophy Tour.

Her additional experience spans major international events such as the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and the London 2012 Olympic Games, contributing to both hospitality and event operations.

Earlier in her career, Dr. Landekhovskaya worked in environmental management and recycling in the United States, collaborating with organizations including the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Dr. Landekhovskaya holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Environmental Science from the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, along with an MBA in Marketing and a PhD from The Ohio State University, combining scientific training with advanced expertise in business strategy and global sports management.