VK strengthens its AI, cybersecurity and communications teams

VK continues to strengthen its management team, as it announces appointments across the AI, information security and communications. This comes as part of the company’s changing organizational structure and strategy with the goal of developing its ecosystem and solidifying leadership in the Russian market.

The VK team has been joined by Aleksey Volkov as Vice President and Director for Information Security, and Aleksey Merkutov as VP for Communications.

Aleksey Volkov will oversee information security, a strategic unit for the company: under his leadership the team will create conditions to foster user trust to VK services and ensure the company’s uninterrupted work.

Before joining VK, Aleksey Volkov was in charge of cybersecurity at Sber. Prior to that he held top information security posts in real sector companies.

As VP for Communications, Aleksey Merkutov will be spearheading the promotion of VK’s technologies and products as part of single ecosystem. He will also oversee corporate communications and public relations. Aleksey moved to VK from MTS Group where he also led corporate communications and promotion of digital products.

VK also announces Andrey Kalinin has been promoted to VP for AI Technology to oversee smart devices and search, as well as develop AI and machine learning technologies across the whole company. Previously, Andrey Kalinin was Deputy VP and Director for AI Technology at VK, launching many of the company’s technological solutions and products that contributed greatly to VK’s business growth. Among them were the development of the Marusia smart assistant and the market launch of Capsula and Capsula Mini smart speakers.

“Information security and AI technologies are key areas for VK. We strive to offer our clients the most advanced tech and personalized services while guaranteeing data safety and impenetrable security. We are constantly developing our technological solutions and fortifying our teams with the best professionals to achieve our goals and adhere to our standards. I am very much convinced that the vast experience of Andrey Kalinin, Aleksey Volkov and Aleksey Merkutov will benefit VK and help us reach new heights”, said Vladimir Kirienko, VK CEO (Russia).