Marina Derosa has built a career defined by expertise in partner relations, management, and global business development, establishing herself as a trusted leader in industries that demand both precision and vision. As senior director of strategic alliances at Castrol Limited, bp America, she guides high-level initiatives that strengthen partnerships, foster joint ventures, and support growth across international markets. Her responsibilities include identifying opportunities for collaboration, leading investment processes in manufacturing partnerships, and maintaining strong relationships to ensure long-term success. She has demonstrated an ability to merge strategic insight with practical execution, ensuring each initiative delivers measurable value.
Ms. Derosa’s academic foundation laid the groundwork for her career achievements. She earned a master’s degree in international business from Hult International Business School, an experience she describes as transformative. It enhanced her communication skills, expanded her cultural awareness, and equipped her with negotiation strategies that have proven vital in her international work. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in food process engineering from Saint Petersburg State University of Refrigeration and Food Technology in Russia. This technical background gave her an early understanding of complex systems and analytical problem-solving, which later supported her success in navigating high-stakes transactions and global partnerships.
Before assuming her leadership role at Castrol Limited, bp America, Ms. Derosa spent more than a decade at Merck & Co., Inc., working as the director of business development in mergers and acquisitions. Her tenure was marked by involvement in complex deals that advanced the company’s growth while establishing new opportunities for collaboration. Colleagues recognized her ability to manage negotiations with clarity and precision, and her contributions earned her multiple awards for outstanding performance, financial impact and innovation on special projects.
Ms. Derosa also gained early professional experience with Johnson & Johnson. Although her time with the company was brief, it gave her exposure to corporate operations within a global organization and provided insight into the ways large enterprises balance innovation and operational efficiency. This perspective proved valuable as she advanced into more senior positions, where she consistently built relationships that bridged internal teams with external stakeholders.
Raised in Mariupol, Ukraine, with strong ties to St. Petersburg, Russia, Ms. Derosa’s early life shaped her determination to pursue a career that would allow her to operate on a global stage. She attributes her success to careful planning, purposeful goal setting, and the belief that opportunities are created through initiative rather than chance. This perspective has guided her through significant transitions, including her move from pharmaceuticals into the energy sector, where she continues to thrive as a strategic leader.
Beyond her professional work, Ms. Derosa finds balance through personal interests and family. She enjoys traveling, walking on the beach, and collecting shells, a reflection of her curiosity and appreciation for new experiences. She is also deeply committed to her role as a mother to Frankie, who is bilingual and often acts as a bridge between generations by translating for his grandmother. This connection to family and culture underscores her appreciation for communication and adaptability, qualities that have been central to her professional success as well.
Looking to the future, Ms. Derosa envisions expanding her leadership to new regions and industries. She aspires to roles at the associate vice president or vice president level, particularly in areas such as the Middle East or Africa, where dynamic markets offer opportunities to influence global development. She also remains open to exploring C-suite positions or contributing her expertise within private equity or consulting, where her knowledge of mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships would provide significant value.
Through her blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and commitment to relationship building, Ms. Derosa continues to shape her career with intention and purpose. Her journey reflects a balance of ambition and adaptability, guided by a consistent dedication to excellence and a vision for global impact.