CT Interactive, a leading online gaming supplier, will showcase its latest solution during iGB Live, Amsterdam. The company’s top specialists will attend the event to present the products. Meet Milena Tsankarska, Head of Business Development EMEA.

Milena Tsankarska has more than 14 years of experience in the gaming industry, with outreach to almost all verticals of the business, including global land-based and interactive segments. She is a respected marketing and sales expert both in the B2B and B2C sectors. She is currently working on her PhD studies on regional development at Sofia University, "St. Kliment Ohridski".

How did you become part of the team of CT Interactive?

      Due to the challenges of the pandemic, the projects I managed – Balkan Entertainment and Gaming expo and Eastern European Gaming Summit were put on hold. In this period, the executive director of CT Interactive, whom I had known for years, proposed to me to join their team and head the Business Development Department. His idea was to use my 14 years of experience in the gambling industry to help the company expand its presence in current and new markets. I took this chance as an opportunity to establish myself as an expert in one of the fastest growing sectors. Currently, I am responsible for several strategic markets, such as Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

What does your department do?

The Business Development Department identifies key new counterparties for the markets that we target. Besides that, we monitor the development of customers in markets we already work in and expand our presence there. We follow very closely the regulatory changes and the new tendencies in gaming production. Our team is responsible for the creation of the annual business plan, and we take part in key events for the industry. 

How would you describe your typical workday?

Our day usually starts with morning meetings between different teams in the company, afterwards, with colleagues from the Business Development Department, we review our current tasks and prioritize the most urgent ones. Then, we continue with meetings with customers, and we prepare offers and presentations. We always find time to examine the latest trends in the sector, as well as to have fun. The work process is very intense, and it goes by very fast because of the great working environment.

What is your favorite part of the job?

I cannot say that I have one favorite part because, for me, every component is interesting and exciting. But I really enjoy the meetings and conversations with new potential clients. The excitement of presenting our products and services, the feedback we receive, and the negotiations themselves are all very enjoyable parts of my work.  I can say that the work of my team is extremely dynamic, challenging, and responsible. The number of concluded deals is progressively increasing each month, and this makes me proud. 

What's the project you are working on right now?

I am currently working on several key projects concerning strategic markets in Europe and Latin America.

What are the key skills required for your work?

I could say that the following skills are useful for any work – a desire for development, a broad world view, proactivity, analytical thinking, good communication skills, and the ability to inspire an audience. It also helps to be oriented towards achieving your goals and to set no limits. And last but not least, always believe in yourself and the team you work with.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced at work?

Over the years, I have had many different challenges within the industry. One of them was the transition from marketing and organization of events to online gaming. For a very short period, I had to enter a completely different field. I am glad that, thanks to my optimism, I was able to understand the work very quickly and, naturally, the results followed.

You mentioned results, recently, you were nominated for iGamign idol 2023 in the Sales Idol of the Year category. Tell us a little bit more about this nomination.

Yes, this year, I was nominated for the awards by my colleagues, and I was very pleasantly surprised. iGaming Idol are very prestigious awards, created to recognize the best professionals in the industry. In order to be nominated, you need to meet several criteria, one of which is to show what kind of improvements you have proposed to optimize and improve the work processes. This nomination is a great appreciation for my achievements and makes me even more confident to continue working with the same enthusiasm and love.

What was your firs job?

My first job was for a large retail chain. I have grown professionally there and am proud to have established a great work ethic and culture.

What did you want to be when you were a child?

I dreamed of becoming a diplomat. 

What is your hobby outside of work?

I used to play the piano when I was little. At the moment I am very interested in a healthy lifestyle, and I like to do sports. I love spending time in nature with my closest people and my pet, Archibald.