Cliff was introduced to the Russian telecom market in the late 1980s when he lead Autodesk’s efforts in Russia. Having shared the same passion and a similar Rock ‘n’ Roll spirit with Guy, Cliff helped to create IXcellerate in Moscow. He was a great leader who combined a demanding detail-focused style with a warm and sweet heart…
Cliff was a British TMT professional with more than 25 years of experience with multinational companies as well as over 15 years of experience in the Russian market. Cliff had a background in technology and communications and most recently was developing a triple play network in Moscow and the regions of Russia.
Prior to that he held the position of Senior VP in a leading Russian telecommunications provider Golden Telecom Inc. (NASDAQ:GLDN). During his time at Golden, he was Managing Director of the Consumer Internet Division (ROL). Working in ROL, Cliff managed more than 500 of people, was responsible for the strategic inception and tactical development of the business, developed acquisition and organic growth strategy. He was responsible for the growth of ROL from a start-up to US$100mm in 5 years.
Before that Cliff held various positions in the leading manufacturer of PC based graphics software Autodesk Inc for 12 years including title of Managing Director CIS and Director of Tools and Technologies and Chief Engineer of the Advanced Technology Group. There he developed the global engineering organization and built globally developed products.
Cliff studied Business Adminsitration and Computer Science at Emory University. He served on the National Science Foundation’s Computer Automation Panel as well as serving on the board of the combined project of the Schools of Computer Science and Civil Engineering at Stanford University for 10 years. He was a native English speaker and was also fluent in Russian and French.
Cliff tragically passed away in August 2013 and will be solely missed by the team.