Aika Kussimova

Aika is a Director at Ciesco, one of the leading M&A advisors to Media, Marketing and Technology businesses. As one of the firm’s early hires, she has been a powerful force in building Ciesco into the market-leading platform it is today, helping shape its culture, sector focus and commercial success over nearly a decade of growth.

Her background allows her to combine analytical rigour with strategic insight. She works with founders of some of the most exciting high-growth SMEs, alongside global corporates and PE funds, helping them secure investment, scale through M&A and achieve transformational growth and exits. Her current work spans AI platforms, digital product, entertainment PR, fintech and data businesses, giving her a unique, cross-sector perspective on the future of the industry.

Known for running highly professional, value-driven processes, Aika is trusted by industry leaders to frame their equity story, protect long-term value and deliver strong outcomes.

She believes influence and voice are earned through results, and she uses her commercial impact to create opportunity. Alongside mentoring the next generation of Ciesco leaders, she supports female founders, investors and professionals through networks, events and thought leadership, hoping bring more women into boardrooms and decision-making roles across the industry.