Management Team
We are very proud of our management team. Not only do they have extensive hands on experience in the investment field, they are also a committed, proven team of top professionals.
Senior management
Gene ZolotarevFounder and main shareholder of the Maximus GroupPrior to founding Maximus Capital S.A. in 2008, Mr. Zolotarev has worked for over 20 years in senior positions in investment banking and asset management. He has held a number of senior executive and board positions at prominent U.S., Eastern Europe and Baltic commercial and investment banks. Since 1993 he had cultivated personal and business relationships with principals of many major industrial holdings in the Eastern Europe and CEE; many of whom seek his professional and independent advice to this day.
Since 2009, Gene has been splitting time between Geneva, Monaco and Riga while focusing on developing Maximus Capital S.A. as a multi-family office with deep expertise in identifying special situation investment opportunities – both in liquid markets and private equity.
Having graduated from Columbia University with a degree in Electrical Engineering and Physics, he went on to attend an executive MBA program at NYU and later attended Harvard Kennedy School of International Affairs.
Management
Valentina NacinovichDirector, Alternative Investments
Valentina started her career in 2009 in the luxury goods industry, managing the operations of special superyacht and luxury lifestyle projects for UHNWIs, with extensive experience in the European, American and Middle Eastern markets. She currently serves as a Senior Advisor at NPD, providing corporate finance, M&A, Fundraising and Business Development consultancy to enterprises operating in the luxury goods and services space. Ms. Nacinovich is also the Founder of Luxury Vanguard, a company based in Monaco that manages an investment portfolio of special projects.
Rustem Ospanov Technology Advisor
Rustem Ospanov is a physicist and data scientist with over 14 years of active research involvement at CERN. Highly developed analytical and problem-solving skills with hands-on experience in machine learning and computer programming. Proficient in leading global teams for developing durable solutions to diverse technological and research problems.
Sara BentsenSenior Analyst
Sara is a experienced growth strategist, reinforcing connections and relationships with existing investor networks and creating new ones. She has worked and assisted several VC’s and Business Angel networks internationally. Prior to this, Sara worked for the UN in industrial development in the department of external relations.
Ms Bentsen is based in the South of France, speaks four languages and has been a business owner for 3 years.
Atlanta HackneyMedia and Marketing
Atlanta Hackney, the current Media and Marketing Manager, is a transformative force in the premium and luxury services segment. With a financial background in a private equity firm, she played a key role during annual fundraising and contributed to the growth products and services team. Atlanta is renowned for orchestrating impactful marketing and branding initiatives, fostering client relationships, and driving positive change across online and offline platforms. Her versatility continues to make her a dynamic leader in the convergence of media and marketing.
Karolina ŻurawskaSenior Analyst
As a VC Consultant and Community Engagement Manager at Baltic Tech Ventures, Karolina focuses on supporting early-stage tech startups in the Baltic region. Holding dual Master’s degrees in Global & Sustainable Business and Global Business, Finance, and Governance, she brings strong analytical skills. In her current role, Karolina identifies and supports promising startups, fostering a vibrant community of entrepreneurs. She also contributes to the Global Women in VC network, empowering female investors and founders worldwide.
Investment Comittee
Alexander RottenburgAlexander Rottenburg has many years of experience in the banking and financial services sector. Mr. Rottenburg has broad experience of emerging markets, most aspects of investment banking & money markets, and the formulation and implementation of strategy. Currently he serves as a Director of Fraserburgh Consulting Ltd and sits on the Court of the Worshipful Company of International Bankers. Mr. Rottenburg spent much of his career in Emerging Markets at Standard Bank London and West Merchant Bank. Before joining West Merchant Bank, Alexander was a Director of Union Discount Company Ltd responsible for Treasury Capital Markets, Business Strategy Development, Asset Management and Trade Finance. Mr. Rottenburg has been an occasional contributor to various financial publications.