Maxim Ponomarev

Maxim Ponomarev has been in the marketing communications industry since 2004. He began his career as an intern and art director at McCann Erickson Moscow, later working at BBDO Russia, collaborating on campaigns for brands like Google, Yota, Adrenaline Rush, and Pochta Bank .

In 2011, he co-founded Friends Moscow and the creative school Mads. Under his leadership, Friends quickly emerged as a top independent agency, winning over 100 awards in its first five years, including two Bronze Lions at Cannes Lions 2016, KIAF Grand Prix, Epica, Eurobest, and more.

In 2014, Friends Moscow became the exclusive Russian partner of Droga5. Maxim has produced more than 150 TV commercials for local and international clients such as Google Search, Gillette, MegaFon, and Hayat Kimya. Since 2007, he has shared his expertise through lectures and workshops at major industry events like Red Apple, Effie Awards, ADC Russia, iForum, TAF!, and Creative Weekends.

Over his career, Maxim has earned around 80 awards at national and international festivals, including Cannes Lions (2 Bronze Lions), ADCE, ADCR, Red Apple, Golden Drum, White Square, Cristal Festival, Eurobest, Epica, and others.