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Katherine Vellinga
Entrepreneur ► Co-Founder ► Avid Connector ► Business Strategist ► Catalyst
Katherine Vellinga is the Co-founder and CEO of Zirkova, an award-winning ultra-premium vodka brand. She is a Ukrainian Canadian who initially pursued a career with P&G in Product Supply. However, after the fall of the Soviet Union, she left P&G and moved to a newly independent Ukraine. It was there that Katherine developed her love for the origins and birthplace of vodka, compelling her to share the remarkable story of women Master Distillers, classical methods, and extraordinary spirits. Zirkova has become the top-selling vodka produced in Ukraine that is sold in Canada.1
Katherine's vision for Zirkova goes beyond just being a brand. It reflects her personal beliefs in standing for the freedom to be and celebrate who you are, toasting and acknowledging others, and creating special moments that bring people together. Her aim is to make everyone feel like they are part of one table. Katherine is known for creating moments that unite, not allowing fear to guide decisions, and creating a life by design rather than by default.1
Katherine's journey into the world of fine spirits began unexpectedly in 2005 when a decision to move to Ukraine brought her to a small vodka factory in the Cherkasy region. Recognizing her calling to bridge her homeland of Canada with her beloved Ukrainian roots, she and her husband John brought the Zirkova brand to life. Beyond her business endeavors, Katherine is actively involved in philanthropy, having helped raise over $300,000 for various humanitarian and human rights charitable organizations, including Sick Kids Hospital, The Ambulance Project, Halton Children's Aid Society, and several LGBTQ+ organizations.2
It's important to note that Zirkova Vodka isn't simply a vodka company. Built into the DNA of the brand is a deep-rooted belief in the goodness of humanity and an abiding commitment to freedom and human rights for all.2
Katherine's leadership philosophy, especially in times of crisis, emphasizes the importance of clearly choosing who you are going to be as a leader and what you are going to focus on, even if it seems monumental, risky, or outrageous. Her resilience and adaptability were particularly evident during the challenging times of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Despite the difficulties, Katherine and her team managed to restart production in Ukraine, which has meant a great deal to the employees, local businesses, and suppliers. Due to their vocal advocacy and support for Ukraine, Katherine and her husband have been named on the list of Canadians banned from Russia, a distinction they view as a result of their commitment to their cause.3
Katherine Vellinga's LinkedIn username is katherinevellinga.

