I'm Iunia Gurgu, a multi-disciplinary professional with 15+ years of experience spanning advertising, PR, tech, FMCG, and the non-profit sector. I partner with organizations on marketing strategy, HR and people operations, employer branding, events, and internal communications. I've built recognition programs, led award-winning campaigns, recruited niche talent across Europe, and produced brand activations from concept to confetti cleanup. What ties it all together: I think in systems but lead with empathy, and I do my best work where strategic thinking meets hands-on execution.

Iunia Gurgu

I'm Iunia Gurgu, a multi-disciplinary professional with 15+ years of experience spanning advertising, PR, tech, FMCG, and the non-profit sector. I partner with organizations on marketing strategy, HR and people operations, employer branding, events, and internal communications. I've built recognition programs, led award-winning campaigns, recruited niche talent across Europe, and produced brand activations from concept to confetti cleanup. What ties it all together: I think in systems but lead with empathy, and I do my best work where strategic thinking meets hands-on execution.

Available to hire

I’m Iunia Gurgu, a multi-disciplinary professional with 15+ years of experience spanning advertising, PR, tech, FMCG, and the non-profit sector. I partner with organizations on marketing strategy, HR and people operations, employer branding, events, and internal communications. I’ve built recognition programs, led award-winning campaigns, recruited niche talent across Europe, and produced brand activations from concept to confetti cleanup.

What ties it all together: I think in systems but lead with empathy, and I do my best work where strategic thinking meets hands-on execution.

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Language

English
Fluent
German
Advanced
Romanian, Moldavian, Moldovan
Fluent

Work Experience

BTL Project Manager at Eventria Action
May 20, 2025 - Present
Managing end-to-end client projects, from briefing and concept development to on-site execution and post-event evaluation.
People Consultant / Events Manager / Senior Recruiter at Bob Coffee Lab
February 24, 2024 - Present
Designed and implemented an employer recognition framework; led workforce planning, recruitment and onboarding for a new location; managed end-to-end event logistics; coordinated cross-functional teams; ensured alignment with organizational goals.
Talent Acquisition Partner at YouGov
February 2, 2024 - October 25, 2025
Created and executed comprehensive talent acquisition strategies; built relationships with candidates and industry professionals; managed end-to-end recruitment lifecycle; led employer branding initiatives; engaged stakeholders and managed budgets.
Talent Partner at YouGov
February 2, 2020 - October 25, 2025
Led Romanian hub talent strategy and recruitment; built the local team and contributed to Europe-wide recruitment projects to enhance capacity and reach.
HR Manager at YouGov
July 2, 2022 - October 25, 2025
Architected and executed comprehensive HR strategies; advised senior leadership on people-related issues; led customized performance management and employer branding initiatives.
Fuel Sales Coordinator at OMV Petrom
March 1, 2006 - October 25, 2025
Oversaw contract management for key accounts; provided strategic guidance to the sales team; maintained accurate records of all sales activities.
HR Specialist - Learning & Development at OMV Petrom
May 1, 2009 - October 25, 2025
Designed and executed training programs, including courses, team buildings and workshops, to develop organizational capabilities.
Artworker
July 20, 2014 - October 25, 2025
Executed fast-paced visual assets for commercial showrooms; coordinated PR and RF I projects related to wedding services and costume laboratory provisioning.
Senior Placement Consultant at Blu Global UK Limited
March 1, 2016 - October 25, 2025
Strategically sourced and placed candidates for UK-based projects; led the Romanian branch team; drove performance through strategic guidance and market insights.
Self-employed HR & Marketing Consultant
July 1, 2014 - October 25, 2025
Provided HR and marketing consulting, developed strategies and materials to support employer branding and talent outreach.
BTL Project Manager at Eventrio Action
May 20, 2025 - Present
Managing end-to-end client projects from briefing and concept development to on-site execution and post-event evaluation. Main point of contact for clients, ensuring clear communication and delivery on time and on budget. Developed creative concepts and translated them into concrete event formats, activations, and communication materials. Coordinated cross-functional teams (designers, suppliers, production, digital) and streamlined workflows to keep projects on track. Prepared project timelines, budgets, and status reports, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and target audiences. Hands-on involvement in production details to ensure seamless integration of creative vision with execution. Identified opportunities to optimize processes and promote the use of integrated digital tools. Supported business growth through strategic input in pitches, proposals, and long-term client relationships.
Talent Acquisition Partner at YouGov
February 1, 2024 - October 25, 2025
Created and executed comprehensive talent acquisition strategies aligned with the organization’s long-term objectives. Cultivated relationships with potential candidates and industry professionals through targeted outreach (LinkedIn and other platforms). Managed end-to-end recruitment lifecycle with cross-functional coordination to fulfill hiring goals. Led Europe-wide recruitment projects, enhancing organizational capacity through effective talent pipelines. Recruited high-niche profiles for the Romanian Hub Grafiti PR and related roles.
Senior Placement Consultant at Blug Global UK Ltd
March 1, 2016 - October 25, 2025
Strategically sourced and placed candidates in technical roles for UK-based projects, optimizing talent acquisition processes. Led the Romanian branch team, driving performance through strategic guidance and leadership. Optimized job listings for visibility across platforms, attracting a wider pool of qualified applicants. Mentored junior consultants, sharing expertise on effective placement methods and techniques. Organized BTL activations for non-profits, increasing audience engagement through creative and immersive experiences. Managed end-to-end event logistics from concept to execution, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and target audiences. Negotiated partnerships and sponsorships to maximize event impact within budget. Assisted as a costume assistant for a commercial, coordinating wardrobe needs, fittings, and on-set styling. Collaborated with directors and stylists to ensure costume continuity with brand storytelling. Engaged with key stakeholders, suppliers, and ser
HR Manager at Blug Global UK Ltd
July 20, 2022 - October 25, 2025
Architected and implemented comprehensive HR strategies, including performance management and employee engagement initiatives. Advised senior leadership on complex strategic issues impacting organizational direction and employee experience. Led the deployment of a customized performance management system, enhancing workforce productivity. Curated and implemented impactful internal communication campaigns, including award-winning initiatives during challenging periods.
HR Specialist - Learning & Development at OMV Petrom
May 20, 2009 - October 25, 2025
Designed and executed learning and development programs, including induction programs and career models, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives. Supported in developing strategic HR plans that aligned with long-term company goals.
People Consultant/ Events Manager/ Senior Recruiter at Self-employed
February 1, 2024 - Present
Designed and implemented an employee recognition framework at Bob Coffee Lab to boost engagement. Led workforce planning, recruitment, and training for a new location, onboarding six baristas. Conducted internal surveys and developed strategies to improve workplace satisfaction and team performance. Organized BTL activations and end-to-end event logistics for clients, ensuring alignment with brand storytelling and budget. Negotiated partnerships and sponsorships to maximize impact. Assisted as a costume assistant for a commercial, coordinating wardrobe needs and on-set styling. Collaborated with directors and stylists to ensure brand-consistent visual storytelling. Managed budgets and resources to deliver high-impact results across corporate and creative environments.
BTL Project Manager at Eventrio Action
May 20, 2025 - Present
Managing end-to-end client projects from briefing and concept development to on-site execution and post-event evaluation. Main point of contact for clients, ensuring clear communication and delivery on time and on budget. Developed creative concepts and translated them into concrete event formats, activations, and communication materials. Coordinated cross-functional teams; prepared project timelines, budgets, and status reports; hands-on involvement in production details; identified opportunities to optimize processes and promote the use of integrated digital tools. Supported business growth through strategic input in pitches, proposals, and long-term client relationships.
BTL Project Manager at Eventrio Action
May 1, 2025 - November 24, 2025
Managing end-to-end client projects, from briefing and concept development to on-site execution and post-event evaluation.
Talent Acquisition Partner at YouGov
February 1, 2024 - February 1, 2024
Created and executed comprehensive talent acquisition strategies, ensuring alignment with the organization’s long-term objectives for the RO hub.
HR Manager at YouGov
July 1, 2022 - July 1, 2022
Architected and implemented comprehensive HR strategies spanning recruitment, performance management, and employee engagement.
Senior Placement Consultant at Blu Global UK Limited
March 1, 2016 - March 1, 2016
Strategically sourced and placed candidates in technical roles for UK-based projects; led the Romanian branch team; delivered performance improvements.
Consultant - HR & Marketing at Self-employed
July 1, 2014 - July 1, 2014
Defined and implemented HR & marketing strategies; supported local events and startup ecosystems; built networks.
HR Specialist - Learning & Development at OMV Petrom
May 1, 2009 - May 1, 2009
Designed and executed training programs, including courses, workshops, and on-the-job sessions; oversaw implementation of key HR projects such as Induction Programs and Career Models.
Fuel Sales Coordinator at OMV Romania Mineraloel
March 1, 2006 - March 1, 2006
Oversaw contract management for key accounts; provided strategic guidance to the sales team; maintained accurate records of all sales activities including contracts, proposals, quotes, follow-ups, and customer communications.
Project & Events Manager at PlaYouth
March 1, 2026 - Present
Coordinate CSR programs and community projects across education, environment, and social impact; oversee end-to-end event logistics for creative experiences nationwide; build partnerships with sponsors, corporates, and institutional stakeholders; develop proposals and pitch decks for new partnerships and funding opportunities; facilitate creative workshops and ateliers as trainer when needed.
Human Data Expert at micro1
February 1, 2026 - Present
Apply domain expertise to support AI training pipelines; evaluating model outputs and reviewing technical reasoning.
People Consultant / Events Manager / Senior Recruiter at Self-employed
February 1, 2024 - May 1, 2025
Designed an employee recognition framework at Bob Coffee Lab, improving engagement and retention; led workforce planning, recruitment, and onboarding for a new location (6 hires, full cycle); organized BTL activations for a non-profit: creative, immersive, audience-first experiences; assisted as costume coordinator on commercial sets, working with directors and stylists on wardrobe continuity.
Talent Acquisition Partner at YouGov
October 1, 2022 - February 1, 2024
Created and executed talent acquisition strategies aligned with long-term goals for the Romanian hub; led Europe-wide recruitment projects, building effective pipelines for high-niche technical profiles; managed end-to-end recruitment lifecycle with cross-functional coordination across multiple markets.
Talent Partner at Ogilvy
March 1, 2016 - February 1, 2020
Directed full employee lifecycle: attraction, onboarding, development, retention; established new operational teams including a paid social unit; collaborated with EMEA HR teams on Employee Experience and Employer Branding initiatives; reduced turnover by acting on exit interview insights; mentored junior recruiters.
Senior Placement Consultant at BLU Global UK
July 1, 2014 - March 1, 2016
Sourced and placed candidates in technical roles for UK-based projects; led the Romanian branch team; mentored junior consultants on placement strategy.
Consultant — HR & Marketing at Self-employed
January 1, 2011 - July 1, 2014
Delivered recruitment and brand identity solutions to international clients; organized local events and created marketing/social media campaigns for entrepreneurs.
Learning & Development Specialist at BCR
May 1, 2009 - January 1, 2011
Facilitated leadership development workshops and team-building programs; negotiated with training providers, optimizing budget without compromising quality.
HR Specialist (L&D → Recruiting → Junior) at OMV Petrom
March 1, 2006 - May 1, 2009
Grew through three roles: from junior HR to recruiting to L&D, owning progressively larger scope; designed training programs, managed recruitment for mid-level management, led induction and career model projects.
Fuel Sales Coordinator at OMV Romania
January 1, 2005 - March 1, 2006
Managed contracts for key accounts; organized trade shows and networking events for lead generation.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Management at General University Dimitrie Cantemir, Bucharest
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2005
Bachelor's Degree at Universitatea Crestina Dimitrie Cantemir, Bucharest
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2005
Bachelor's Degree at Dimitrie Cantemir University, Bucharest
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2005
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration & Management at Universitatea Creștină „Dimitrie Cantemir”, Bucharest
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2005

Qualifications

Silver Award for Excellence
January 11, 2030 - October 25, 2025
Silver Award for Excellence
January 11, 2030 - October 25, 2025
Silver Award for Excellence
January 11, 2030 - November 24, 2025

Industry Experience

Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Education, Retail, Other, Non-Profit Organization, Software & Internet