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Andon Baltakov, Fractional COO and CFO Expert in New York City, United States
Andon Baltakov

Fractional COO and CFO Expert in New York City, United States

Member since May 9, 2022
Andon is a fractional CFO and a fundraising expert for clients of Toptal. Most recently, he devised a novel business plan and a financial model for a sports information company. He also provided advisory services to launch a new social, digital business. Currently, he is working with the CFO of an entertainment enterprise to structure a business model and expand a side video project into a multimillion-dollar film business. Andon is a seasoned strategy executive, who worked at the AP, CNN.
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Career Highlights

Education

Case studies

Expertise

  • Corporate Finance
  • Leadership
  • Market Research & Analysis
  • Operations Management
  • Profit & Loss (P&L)
  • Revenue Modeling
  • Strategic Planning & Execution
  • Strategy

Employment

  • Consultant

    2019 - PRESENT
    Freelance
    • Conducted thorough market research and product analysis, leading to the launch of a new service that put the company on par with its main and entrenched competitor.
    • Conducted market sizing for the launch of a new product.
    • Developed a comprehensive audience growth strategy for a leading broadcaster in the Midwest.
    Focus areas: Market Research & Analysis, Corporate Finance, Operations Management, Profit & Loss (P&L), Financial Modeling, Growth Strategy, Excel 2016, Strategy, Business Models, Customer Analytics, Customer Analysis, Data Analysis, Customer Segmentation, Growth Marketing, Digital Strategy, Digital Marketing Strategy, Data Analytics, Operations, Google, Data Monetization, Startups, Mobile User Acquisition, Early-stage Startups, Fundraising, Customer Success, Customer Experience, Sales Strategy, Fintech, Transformational Leadership, Operating Models, Three-statement Modeling, Market Research, Product-market Fit, Business Partnerships, Partnerships, Strategic Partnerships, Pricing, Product Branding, Storytelling, Communication, Public Relations (PR), Content Writer, Blockchain, Business Plan Consulting, Board Presentations, Management Consulting, Enterprise Software, Media, IT Strategy, Pitch Decks, Competitive Analysis, Competitive Strategy, Change Management, Staffing, Growth Strategy Consultants, COO, eCommerce, Product Strategy, Business Intelligence Analyst, Music Streaming, Music Production, Music, Nonprofits, Fractional CFO, Cash Flow, Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SME), Part-time CFO, United States

  • CEO

    2020 - 2021
    Bulgarian National Radio
    • Eliminated an 11% budget deficit within one year, stabilizing the organization and setting it up for growth. Improved internal control processes to optimize cost structure.
    • Introduced cross-platform programming—from broadcast to digital to broadcast—to increase the reach and scale of the programs. Also introduced a portfolio of 50+ podcast series.
    • Introduced remote content production by enabling content producers with new equipment and software. Enhanced digital storytelling with visual content to boost audience impact.
    Focus areas: General Management, Leadership, CFO, Revenue & Expense Projections, Financial Modeling, Growth Strategy, Business Strategy, Cash Management, Budgeting, Financial Management, Excel 2016, Strategy, Negotiation, Market Research & Analysis, Profit & Loss (P&L), Revenue Modeling, Operations Management, Strategic Planning & Execution, Customer Analytics, Growth Marketing, Digital Strategy, Operations, Business Planning, Customer Experience, Transformational Leadership, Operating Models, Market Research, Storytelling, Communication, Public Relations (PR), Content Writer, Media, Staffing, Organizational Design, CEO, COO, Music Streaming, Music Production, Music

  • COO

    2018 - 2019
    World Science
    • Revamped the annual financial planning and budgeting process to enable precise resource allocation. Introduced dynamic quarterly forecasting and reporting through QuickBooks.
    • Initiated a new performance management system to enable better talent management. Introduced ADP TotalSource as the new platform to manage all HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, development, and offboarding.
    • Structured, drafted, and negotiated a co-production agreement with Channel Thirteen/New York Public Media. Advised internal business units on complex business and legal matters.
    Focus areas: Finance, Human Resources (HR), Business Operations, Leadership, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Accounting, CFO, Revenue & Expense Projections, Financial Modeling, Growth Strategy, Business Strategy, Cash Management, Payroll & Benefits, Cash Flow Modeling, Forecasting, Budgeting, Financial Management, Interim CFO, Excel 2016, Strategy, Negotiation, Market Research & Analysis, Profit & Loss (P&L), Revenue Modeling, Operations Management, Strategic Planning & Execution, Key Account Management, Business Modeling, Financial Statements, Customer Analytics, Customer Analysis, Data Analysis, Data-driven Marketing, Growth Marketing, Digital Strategy, Digital Marketing Strategy, Project Management, Operations, Business Planning, Chief Operations Officer (COO), Customer Experience, Transformational Leadership, Operating Models, Three-statement Modeling, Market Research, Storytelling, Public Relations (PR), Content Writer, Board Presentations, Media, Competitive Analysis, Competitive Strategy, Staffing, Organizational Design, CEO, COO, Nonprofits, Grants, Fractional CFO, Cash Flow, Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SME), Part-time CFO, United States

  • COO

    2016 - 2017
    Storyful (Acquired by News Corp)
    • Evolved the corporate finance function into a structured unit for financial reporting, AP/AR, accounting, and tax. Revenue grew by 50%, from $8 million to $12 million.
    • Established an efficient business operations unit to manage customer support, account management, and office administration. Managed and negotiated relationships with key suppliers, introduced Salesforce, and reduced OPEX by $250,000+.
    • Supported global HR operations, including recruitment, talent development, people management, and enterprise culture. Employee numbers more than doubled across five locations worldwide: New York, Dublin, London, Sydney. and Hong Kong.
    • Managed the video unit, including content discovery, acquisition, and syndication. Oversaw and delivered a content sales budget of $3 million.
    Focus areas: Corporate Finance, Business Operations, Sales, Human Resources (HR), IT, Leadership, Accounting, CFO, Revenue & Expense Projections, Financial Modeling, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Growth Strategy, Business Strategy, Cash Management, Payroll & Benefits, Cash Flow Modeling, Forecasting, Budgeting, Financial Management, Interim CFO, SaaS, Excel 2016, Strategy, Negotiation, Market Research & Analysis, Profit & Loss (P&L), Revenue Modeling, Operations Management, Strategic Planning & Execution, Business Modeling, Financial Statements, Go-to-market Strategy, Business Models, Startups, Customer Insights, Customer Analytics, Customer Analysis, Big Data, Data Analysis, Customer Satisfaction, Data-driven Marketing, Customer Segmentation, Digital Strategy, Digital Marketing Strategy, Data Science, Data Analytics, Digital Experience Design, Project Management, Operations, Business Planning, Chief Operations Officer (COO), Google Ads, Google, Data Monetization, Mobile User Acquisition, Fundraising, Customer Success, Customer Experience, Sales Strategy, Fintech, Transformational Leadership, Operating Models, Three-statement Modeling, Market Research, Product-market Fit, Business Partnerships, Partnerships, Brand Strategy, Strategic Partnerships, Pricing, Customer Lifetime Value, Product Branding, Market Sizing, Market Segmentation, Branding, Storytelling, Communication, Public Relations (PR), Brand Building, Content Writer, Business Plan Consulting, Board Presentations, Management Consulting, Enterprise Software, Media, IT Strategy, Pitch Decks, Competitive Analysis, Competitive Strategy, Change Management, Staffing, Organizational Design, CEO, COO, eCommerce, Product Strategy, Fractional CFO, Cash Flow, Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SME), Part-time CFO, United States

  • VP, Product Management

    2014 - 2016
    ProQuest
    • Set and administered the business unit budget and established cost controls to ensure the profitability of the news business and the whole enterprise. Led and grew a team of product managers and led shared marketing and finance services.
    • Implemented new content packages and pricing bundles to address changing market realities and customer demands. Initiated a rebranding program for the entire news product portfolio of 2,000+ titles, including New York Times, Guardian, and Gannett.
    • Oversaw commercial partnerships with content aggregators, such as Factiva.com, PressReader, and NewspaperArchive, to market their products to the academic markets.
    Focus areas: Product Management, Marketing, Sales & Channel Enablement, Leadership, Revenue & Expense Projections, Financial Modeling, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Growth Strategy, Business Strategy, Budgeting, Financial Management, Excel 2016, Strategy, Negotiation, Market Research & Analysis, Profit & Loss (P&L), Revenue Modeling, Operations Management, Strategic Planning & Execution, Key Account Management, Business Operations, Business Modeling, Financial Statements, Go-to-market Strategy, Business Models, Customer Insights, Customer Analytics, Customer Analysis, Big Data, Data Analysis, Customer Satisfaction, Data-driven Marketing, Customer Segmentation, Net Promoter Score (NPS), Digital Strategy, Digital Marketing Strategy, Data Analytics, Digital Experience Design, Project Management, Operations, Business Planning, Google, Data Monetization, Customer Experience, Sales Strategy, Transformational Leadership, Operating Models, Three-statement Modeling, Market Research, Product-market Fit, Business Partnerships, Partnerships, Brand Strategy, Strategic Partnerships, Pricing, Customer Lifetime Value, Product Branding, Market Sizing, Market Segmentation, Branding, Storytelling, Communication, Public Relations (PR), Brand Building, Content Writer, Edtech, Business Plan Consulting, Board Presentations, Management Consulting, Enterprise Software, Media, IT Strategy, Competitive Analysis, Change Management, Staffing, Growth Strategy Consultants, Organizational Design, eCommerce, Product Strategy, United States

  • CNN Digital, Senior Director Business Operations

    2012 - 2014
    WarnerMedia
    • Devised the business and product strategy for digital video distribution across CNN. Oversaw the development and launch of CNN’s digital video syndication network, the video affiliate network (VAN).
    • Revamped CNN’s video syndication business: found a strategic partner to bridge a technology gap; worked with product development to build the supporting infrastructure; and partnered with ad sales to execute an aggressive revenue plan.
    • Played a vital role in stabilizing and growing traffic to CNN Digital’s video products on CNN.com, mobile apps, YouTube channel, and syndication partners by 90%. Exceeded annual revenue targets by 20%.
    Focus areas: Marketing Analytics, Business, New Products, Digital Video, Leadership, Revenue & Expense Projections, Financial Modeling, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Growth Strategy, Business Strategy, Excel 2016, Strategy, Negotiation, Market Research & Analysis, Revenue Modeling, Strategic Planning & Execution, Key Account Management, Business Operations, Business Modeling, Go-to-market Strategy, Business Models, Customer Insights, Customer Analytics, Customer Analysis, Big Data, Data Analysis, Customer Satisfaction, Customer Segmentation, Digital Strategy, Digital Marketing Strategy, Data Science, Data Analytics, Digital Experience Design, Project Management, Operations, Business Planning, Google Ads, Google, Data Monetization, Mobile User Acquisition, Fundraising, Customer Experience, Sales Strategy, Transformational Leadership, Market Research, Product-market Fit, Business Partnerships, Partnerships, Brand Strategy, Strategic Partnerships, Pricing, Customer Lifetime Value, Product Branding, Market Sizing, Market Segmentation, Branding, Storytelling, Communication, Public Relations (PR), Brand Building, Content Writer, Business Plan Consulting, Board Presentations, Management Consulting, Media, IT Strategy, Pitch Decks, Competitive Analysis, Competitive Strategy, Change Management, Staffing, Growth Strategy Consultants, Organizational Design, Product Strategy, Business Intelligence Analyst, United States

  • Deputy Director, Strategic Planning

    2005 - 2012
    The Associated Press
    • Led a cross-departmental team to develop AP’s video strategy that positioned its TV news agency (APTN) as a leading digital video news player. Formulated the business strategy and implementation plan.
    • Coordinated and managed AP’s biennial corporate strategic planning process. Developed a corporate strategy framework that guided eight cross-departmental teams in developing strategic plans for their business units.
    • Directed the daily operations of the strategic planning and business analysis function, set up and oversaw competitive analysis, and conducted analyses on current and prospective business models.
    Focus areas: Leadership, Revenue & Expense Projections, Financial Modeling, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Growth Strategy, Business Strategy, Excel 2016, Strategy, Negotiation, Market Research & Analysis, Strategic Planning & Execution, Business Modeling, Go-to-market Strategy, Business Models, Customer Insights, Customer Analytics, Customer Analysis, Big Data, Data Analysis, Customer Satisfaction, Customer Segmentation, Digital Strategy, Digital Marketing Strategy, Data Science, Data Analytics, Project Management, Business Planning, Google Ads, Google, Data Monetization, Customer Experience, Sales Strategy, Transformational Leadership, Market Research, Business Partnerships, Partnerships, Strategic Partnerships, Pricing, Customer Lifetime Value, Product Branding, Market Sizing, Market Segmentation, Storytelling, Communication, Public Relations (PR), Content Writer, Business Plan Consulting, Board Presentations, Management Consulting, Enterprise Software, Media, IT Strategy, Competitive Analysis, Competitive Strategy, Growth Strategy Consultants, Product Strategy, Business Intelligence Analyst, United States

Education

  • Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA)
    2003 - 2005
    Yale University - New Haven, CT, USA
  • Bachelor's Degree in Economics
    1992 - 1996
    University of National and World Economy - Sofia, Bulgaria

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