Global HR executive brings 20 years of leadership experience with companies including Amazon, H&R Block and Philip Morris International
Kansas City, MO (July 14, 2025) – MMGY Global, the world’s leading integrated marketing agency for the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors, announced today it has hired seasoned executive Oksana Kovalenko as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), effective June 16. As CHRO, Kovalenko will lead the company’s global people strategy for more than 600 employees worldwide. She brings over 20 years of HR leadership experience with a strong track record of enabling complex organizations to scale while building inclusive, values-driven cultures.
Oksana Kovalenko
“Oksana’s appointment marks a significant milestone for MMGY Global as we continue to evolve and expand our global footprint,” said CEO Katie Briscoe. “Her proven leadership and strategic mindset will be instrumental in guiding our people initiatives and reinforcing our position as a global employer of choice in the travel marketing sector.”
Kovalenko’s career spans a range of global HR roles at organizations including H&R Block in Kansas City and Philip Morris International in Kyiv, Ukraine. Most recently, she served as a Global HR Leader at Amazon within its Customer Service division, where she was responsible for talent strategies across two major business verticals operating in 26 countries.
Recognized for her transparent, data-informed and pragmatic leadership approach, Kovalenko is passionate about creating people systems that are agile, inclusive and aligned with both local culture and global vision. Based in MMGY Global’s Kansas City headquarters, she will play a key role in expanding the company’s HR infrastructure, strengthening talent development across markets and evolving an employee experience that empowers high performance at every level.
“The greatest opportunity for any global organization is to move from simply having a global footprint to embracing a global mindset,” said Kovalenko. “At MMGY Global, I’m excited to help intentionally design systems, organizational structures and communication practices that are rooted in empathy and built around cultural nuance – not despite it. That’s how we bring our mission to life – by creating meaningful connections and belonging across borders. I’m honored to lead this next chapter of MMGY Global’s people journey.”
Kovalenko holds an Executive MBA from the Quantic School of Business and Technology in Washington, D.C. She also earned two master’s degrees with honors from leading Ukrainian universities, the National Aviation University and Kyiv National Economic University. Her early academic focus on travel and tourism aligns deeply with MMGY Global’s mission and industry leadership. She also gives back to the community as a guest lecturer at the University of Kansas Medical Center in its HR program.
Kovalenko succeeds Mia Wise, whose impactful leadership shaped MMGY Global’s culture and growth from 2020 until her retirement in June. Accompanying Kovalenko and Briscoe on the Global Leadership Team are Hugh McConnell (Chief Financial Officer), Justin Farmer (Chief Growth Officer), Craig Compagnone (President, Americas) and Caroline Moultrie (President, EMEA). Headquartered in the Kansas City metro since its founding in 1981, MMGY Global champions more than 400 clients from 16 offices worldwide.
About MMGY Global
MMGY Global is the world’s leading integrated marketing firm specializing in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. With operating brands across the world, the award-winning organization maintains a global communications practice in all marketing channels, serving many of the world’s premier travel and tourism brands. MMGY Global strives to create a connected, inclusive and peaceful world by promoting travel as a cultural bridge of understanding. The company is majority owned by investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital. For more information, visit mmgyglobal.com.