Deana Zelenka

Deana Zelenka     

She is currently CEO of the Lula Group of Companies. An international Businesswoman and Philanthropist, she has professional leadership experience serving as Chief Executive and senior executive member in companies ranging from venture-backed start-ups to global enterprises across a variety of sectors including Petroleum, Renewable Energy Technology, Metals and Chemical Manufacturing, Environmental and Clean Tech, Commodities Trading and Structured Finance.

She is experienced in defining and managing strategy, sales and marketing, financial management, intellectual property development, corporate structuring, mergers & acquisitions, and fundraising throughout her career. Deana Specializes in Global Trade and Structured Finance as Principle and agent via a Global Client Book. Previously, she served as a Senior Executive responsible for Hazardous Materials supply Chain Management and as EVP and Manager of Voith GmbH Polyurethane, Silicone, Rubber product lines, and earlier as Senior Executive for Kaiser Aluminum’s Fluorides Business Division.

Deana’s philanthropic endeavors include Executive Chair of the International Lula Foundations, providing business expertise to organizations aligned with her values and she currently serves as Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for The Franklin Foundation, an organization devoted to the advancement of mathematics and technology innovation in education; as well as Founder of several Non-Profit Organizations that support the development of women across African countries. An active member of the business communities in the US, the GCC and most recently Iceland, Mrs. Zelenka is a frequent keynote speaker and presenter and has spoken at both national and international conferences, most recently at Wharton.