Hamburg, August 2nd, 2024 - Circus SE (Xetra: CA1), a leading AI robotics company specializing in autonomous kitchen systems, has hired Ilona Schukina, a dynamic leader in supply chain management and operational excellence, as its new Vice President Business Development, as the company prepares for an ambitious new phase of global commercial roll-out in the coming years.
Ilona Schukina, former CEO of Peak Porter, led strategic operations to develop cost-effective warehouse automation and robotics solutions. She has more than 12 years of experience in business development, strategy, supply chain and logistics. Schukina has a proven track record of scaling startups and driving transformative change in large corporate settings, having held various positions at Gorillas, Zalando and Panalpina. She is holding an MBA degree from the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.
As Vice President Business Development, Schukina will play an integral role in developing and implementing supply chain processes and strategies for business growth, identifying new opportunities globally, leading and managing special business development projects, coordinating cross-functional teams and ensuring alignment with business objectives.
Commenting on her appointment, Ilona Schukina said:
"I believe in robotics and see a future where the global food industry will be disrupted by AI. I was attracted by Circus' core mission to make serving affordable and quality meals accessible to everyone by drastically reducing the cost of food production, and by the strong management team within the company. I have joined a company that I believe will have a profound positive impact and be an integral part of humanity's positive future - where transformative technology serves people. I couldn't have joined Circus at a more exciting time, and I look forward to leading the company's strategic development as we prepare for global commercial deployment in the coming years."
Nikolas Bullwinkel, CEO and founder of Circus Group, said:
"We are delighted to welcome Ilona to our growing management team. She has a strong vision for how the on-demand autonomous food production sector can evolve, which is fully aligned with Circus' vision and roadmap, and her appointment is another important step in our growth journey."
About Circus Group
The Circus Group (XETRA: CA1) is the leading AI robotics company, specialising in the translation of the fine art of cooking into full autonomy. On its mission to fuel humanity, Circus provides global access to balanced nutrition, for everyone, anytime. The company developed the world’s first commercially viable food production robot, Circus Autonomy One. Circus employs talents in AI, robotics engineering and food service across four locations and is headquartered in Hamburg, Germany.
