Founder & CEO

Stuart brings over 20 years’ experience in international HR, Payroll and Benefits, in both Sales and Customer Success Leadership roles. His extensive travels and work across Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and the USA, coupled with remote client support worldwide, have provided him with a deep understanding of the challenges and strategic objectives faced by clients globalising their business.

Throughout his career, Stuart has been instrumental in pioneering new markets, forging strategic partnerships, and refining sales and customer success strategies. His efforts have consistently driven growth and enhanced client retention. Furthermore, he has nurtured and supported the professional growth of team members, guiding them towards role advancement and career success.

At Acumen, as Regional Sales Manager, based in the UK, Stuart heads up the sales teams and nurtures collaborative partnerships to deliver unparalleled support to clients and partners alike, ensuring the successful achievement of their strategic goals and global expansion plans.

As Senior Sales Manager for Acumen International, Irina Dontsova keeps us all on our toes with her drive and determination. With a Master’s degree in foreign languages, Irina is well suited to work with our clients in the international community.

Prior to putting down roots at Acumen, Irina worked in business development, supporting clients from global technology, financial services, biotech, manufacturing, NPO, government services, and other industries expanding globally.

Irina’s favorite motivational quote:

“Nothing is impossible!”

Dimitriy graduated from Kyiv National Linguistics University in 2010 with a Master’s degree in Arabic & English translation/interpretation and teaching. Over the following eight years, he gained extensive experience working in the construction and gold mining industries across countries such as Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Libya, and the UAE. Holding various roles from business owner’s assistant to business development and operations management positions in companies ranging from 100 to 2000 employees, Dimitriy was actively involved in international business development, establishing new legal entities, and overseeing construction site operations, requiring regular interactions with governmental and private sectors.

Among his notable projects are the pre-establishment of a gold refinery in Accra in collaboration with the Ghanaian government, the establishment of a new construction business in Saudi Arabia, and the construction of renowned hotels in the UAE, including the Royal Atlantis Resort (Atlantis 2) and Lapita Hotel & Resort.

In August 2020, Dimitriy joined Acumen as an Account Manager, later transitioning to the role of Sales Manager in July 2021, drawn to the position for its challenging nature and abundant opportunities for growth and advancement.

During his free time, Dimitriy enjoys various activities such as walking, reading, attending the gym, and indulging in bicycle or quad bike rides. He also holds a passion for surfing and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, feeding his adventurous spirit.

Dmitry has over two decades of experience in air transport and logistics, coupled with a robust educational background from the Institute for African and Asian Studies in Moscow.

He has extensive experience in air transport encompassing various aspects of the industry, including strategic planning, operations management, logistics coordination, and supply chain optimization. Dmitry has a proven track record of successfully leading teams and projects to achieve operational efficiency, cost savings, and customer satisfaction. He excels in providing comprehensive support across both sales and operations. By handling administrative tasks for the sales team, Dmitry ensures smooth workflows and efficient customer service. Dmitry manages HR processes, from recruitment to employee development, keeping the company functioning seamlessly. Furthermore, his data management skills ensure accurate records and insightful reports that drive informed decision-making.

Among his notable projects are the pre-establishment of a gold refinery in Accra in collaboration with the Ghanaian government, the establishment of a new construction business in Saudi Arabia, and the construction of renowned hotels in the UAE, including the Royal Atlantis Resort (Atlantis 2) and Lapita Hotel & Resort.

In August 2020, Dimitriy joined Acumen as an Account Manager, later transitioning to the role of Sales Manager in July 2021, drawn to the position for its challenging nature and abundant opportunities for growth and advancement.

During his free time, Dimitriy enjoys various activities such as walking, reading, attending the gym, and indulging in bicycle or quad bike rides. He also holds a passion for surfing and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, feeding his adventurous spirit.

Michael brings extensive experience in global payroll, Employer of Record (EOR), and recruitment across 190+ countries, consistently driving success in these sectors. Known for his unwavering commitment to delivering results, he prioritises his clients’ best interests, ensuring tailored solutions that meet their unique needs. With a strong track record of exceeding expectations, Michael is dedicated to building long-lasting partnerships and helping businesses navigate the complexities of global workforce management.

Nina heads up our Customer Care Department. Her academic background includes a Master’s degree in Law.

Before joining the Acumen International team, Nina gained more than 7 years of experience in the field of legal compliance, corporate law and customer care and coordination.

Practice Areas:
– Team and project management;
– International project management

Nina is a culturally fluent and client oriented person with a problem-solving mindset. She has lived in Ukraine, Poland, Thailand, Argentina and Greece. After leaving legal compliance coordination Nina has switched the business industry to apply her extensive customer care experience in Acumen to ensure smooth operations and great service delivery to Clients.

Nina’s favorite motivational quote: “Teamwork makes the dream work”

Olga’s Bachelor’s degree in International Law and a Master’s Degree in Foreign policy and international activity, coupled with more than 2 years experience as an account manager in the finance field make her a perfect match for Acumen International.

Practice Areas:
– International relations;
– Social communication

As an energetic and self-motivated person with experience in customer support, Olga is a super loyal, determined, and goal driven Acumen’s team member. Her optimistic attitude helps her to find a better way to solve tasks.

Olga’s favorite motivational quote comes from Yvon Chouinard: “How you climb a mountain is more important than reaching the top.”

Currently Mariia holds the role of an Account Manager, where her primary focus lies in facilitating the seamless onboarding of new clients, coordinating immigration processes,  setups and terminations, managing payroll operations, and maintaining effective communication channels with clients, partners, vendors, and employees. Additionally, she is entrusted with the responsibility of researching and disseminating information regarding local legislation to ensure compliance on a regular basis. Before joining Acumen Internation, Mariia served as an HR Generalist, where she provided support to People Partners by addressing inquiries related to labor laws, policies, and procedures. She meticulously managed payroll data, liaised with the Payroll Department to ensure accurate processing, and had role in administering and implementing benefit plans.

Mariia likes sports with a passion for running, which not only revitalizes her mind but also fuels her energy. She maintains a keen interest in healthy eating habits and continually pursues courses in nutrition to broaden her knowledge. Spending quality time with her family, exploring new places, and engaging in diverse activities are cherished pursuits that add vibrancy to Mariia’s life.

Irina makes a valuable contribution to the Acumen International team as a Finance Manager. With a Master’s degree in finance and more than 10 years experience, she is an expert in planning, budgeting and problem solving.

Irina managed to contribute greatly to the launch of Global Payroll Calculator. Acumen International’s global business clients can count on Irina to GPC’s administration. Her work helps to realize Acumen’s long-term goals and objectives.

Practice Areas:
– Financial management and reporting;
– Validation of the GPC calculations;
– GPC updates (payroll breakdowns & notes, and software upgrades)

Irina’s favorite motivational quote: “Believe you can and you’re halfway there”

Natalia Denysova began working for Acumen International as an Office Manager, and eventually became an Account Manger. Today, Natalia makes a vital contribution to the Acumen team as Administrative Director and Finance Manager. She attributes her growth and advancement in the company to being hard-working, dedicated and responsible.

Irina has a Master’s degree in Management of organizations and over 8 years of experience working in managing outstaffing and outsourcing projects for international clients, business processes optimization projects for outstaffing business.

Irina makes a vital contribution to the Acumen team as Transformation Manager with applying a people-oriented approach to business analysis, so the implemented system serves not only business needs, but also allows users to simplify their daily tasks.

Irina’s areas of responsibility include:
– Implementing the new system or process;
– Getting cross departments work synched;
– Training sessions on new programs

Irina’s favorite quote comes from Albert Einstein: “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.”