Elisa Balestra
About Elisa Balestra
Elisa Balestra is a Senior Director of Product Strategy and Operations at Cognite, with a strong background in strategy and operations within the telecom, media, and technology sectors. She has worked extensively with C-level executives and has experience in various global markets, focusing on emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, IoT, and 5G.
Current Role at Cognite
Elisa Balestra currently serves as the Senior Director of Product Strategy and Operations at Cognite, a position she has held since 2022 in Oslo, Norway. In this role, she focuses on developing and implementing product strategies that align with the company's goals. Her responsibilities include overseeing operations and ensuring that product offerings meet market demands.
Previous Experience at Cognite
Before her current role, Elisa worked at Cognite as the Senior Director of Corporate Development from 2021 to 2022. During her tenure, she focused on corporate growth initiatives and strategic partnerships. Her experience at Cognite has contributed to her understanding of the technology landscape and the integration of innovative solutions.
Professional Background
Elisa Balestra has a diverse professional background, having worked in various roles across multiple countries. She was a Program Development Fellow at the University of California, Berkeley, from 2021 to 2022. Prior to that, she held several positions at GSMA, including Strategy Manager and Director of Strategy - AI Lead, from 2013 to 2021. Her experience spans across Europe, Asia, and South America, where she has collaborated with C-level executives and industry leaders.
Education and Training
Elisa Balestra holds a Master of Science equivalent from Università degli Studi di Ferrara, where she studied from 1998 to 2003. She also participated in the Erasmus Program at The University of Birmingham from 2001 to 2002. Additionally, she completed ThePowerMBA program from 2020 to 2021, which further enhanced her business acumen and strategic thinking skills.
Expertise in Emerging Technologies
Elisa specializes in emerging technologies, particularly in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G. Her focus on these areas allows her to address industry challenges effectively and deliver innovative solutions that integrate various industry partners and ecosystems. Her passion for strategy and problem-solving is evident in her work within the telecom, media, and technology sectors.