Eugene Mischenko is an internationally recognized leader in digital commerce and marketing, with over 20 years of experience driving transformation for global brands and scaling award-winning strategies across both B2C and B2B markets. As Founder and President of the E-Commerce & Digital Marketing Association (ECDMA), he is the architect behind the ECDMA Global Awards, a competition that has quickly established itself as one of the most respected new marketing awards in the industry. The initiative distinguishes itself through independent evaluation, a purpose-built scoring platform, and a focus on rewarding professionals who drive real business results – not just brand visibility.The inaugural edition of the ECDMA Global Awards in 2025 drew over 350 entries from more than 20 countries, with submissions reviewed by nearly 100 expert jurors. In this interview, Mischenko reflects on the process, the difference between individual excellence and institutional recognition, and why serious professionals around the world are responding to this new benchmark.
Eugene, congratulations on the first edition of the ECDMA Global Awards. Over 350 entries and participation from professionals in more than 20 countries is no small feat. How do you reflect on the results?
Eugene Mischenko: Thank you. Honestly, I’m still processing it. It was more than just a launch – it felt like a turning point. We expected solid interest, but what we didn’t anticipate was the sheer quality of the professionals who applied. We had marketers, product leads, founders, agency strategists – not just companies submitting decks, but individuals showing up with real cases, ownership, and a strong sense of pride in their work.
That’s very different from what we saw at the Armenia Digital Awards last year, which I’m also proud of – but that event was much more focused on businesses and corporate positioning. This time, it felt like we tapped into a global community of builders – people who are hands-on, strategic, and often under-recognized.
And they came from a wide range of places and company sizes, right?
Eugene: Exactly. We saw excellent work from early-stage startups, mid-size agencies, in-house digital teams, and even solo consultants. What united them was not their size or market share – it was the discipline of their execution. We’re not celebrating vanity metrics or nice design here. We’re honoring clarity of thinking, measurable outcomes, and the courage to experiment where it matters.
Let’s talk about the process. A lot of awards programs struggle with credibility. How did you tackle that from the beginning?
Eugene: We didn’t try to reinvent judgment – but we did build the infrastructure to make it transparent. We developed our own digital scoring platform from scratch. Every application went through a two-step evaluation process. Judges had to declare conflicts of interest and were excluded from any application where those applied. Each project was reviewed independently by multiple experts with relevant experience. No one could see someone else’s scores, and we didn’t have group discussions influencing outcomes. That keeps it honest.
And what about the jury itself?
Eugene: The jury was one of our biggest assets. These were not ceremonial jurors – these were operators. Founders, CMOs, agency directors, technical marketers. Nearly 100 of them. And they took the job seriously. Some even reached out afterward and said, “This felt real. I’d do it again.” Which is not something you often hear after reviewing 25 entries over three weekends.
There’s an interesting contrast in your tone. You’re clearly proud – but very grounded. Do you think that comes from your background?
Eugene: Maybe. I’ve spent over two decades in e-commerce and digital marketing, working for global brands, leading transformation projects, managing P&L. I’m not romantic about the work – we’re here to solve problems, create value, and make things move. Awards should reflect that. They shouldn’t feel like theater.
What surprised you the most about the entries you received?
Eugene: Two things. First, how many of them were actually well-structured. These weren’t people throwing buzzwords around. They knew their numbers. They shared failures and pivots. You could see the thinking behind the execution.
Second, how under-recognized some of these professionals were. You’d look at a submission, think, “This could be a case study in a Harvard classroom,” and then realize this person has 300 followers on LinkedIn and zero PR. That’s the gap we’re trying to close.
Do you see this growing into something much bigger?
Eugene: Definitely. But we’ll scale it in the right way. The goal isn’t to become another logo-farming machine. The goal is to build a professional standard. In 2026, we’re expanding categories, launching regional spotlights, and publishing a jury insights report. And we’re thinking about launching a structured feedback option for applicants who want more depth, even if they didn’t win.
That’s rare. Most award platforms guard the judging process like a black box.
Eugene: Exactly – and that’s part of the problem. If people take the time to apply, they should get something meaningful in return. Recognition, sure. But also clarity, perspective, growth. Otherwise, it’s just another checkbox.
Final question – what does this award mean to you personally?
Eugene: For me, it’s a commitment. I’ve been lucky to win a few things in my career. But building something that helps others get the spotlight they deserve – that’s more important. I want this to become a reference point. If someone puts “ECDMA Global Award” on their bio, I want people to think, “That’s someone who delivers.”
Thank you, Eugene. This sounds like only the beginning.
Eugene: It is. We’re just getting started.
