LEADERSHIP TEAM

The leadership of the VR Foundation includes some of the most distinguished academic researchers, accomplished CEOs, dedicated philanthropists and technology development professionals.

Dmitry Aksenov, MSc, MBA 
Founder and President

Mr. Dmitry Aksenov  established the Vitiligo Research Foundation as a  continuation of his medical  research initiatives. He joined with leading physicians  and scientists in launching the vitiligo research alliance to advance progress against  this annoying  skin  disease. Recently, he formalized  his philanthropic activities by founding the VR Foundation, which has become one of leading supporters of vitiligo research and treatment.  As an entrepreneur, Mr. Aksenov is often  said to have revolutionized Russian real estate development market and created  thousands of jobs. He has introduced  the first energy-efficient and affordable house to  the local market in 2010. He graduated with highest distinction and earned his Master of Science degree in 1989.

President-Elect of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, President of multiple International Congresses of Dermatology, Chair of the Communications Committee of International Society of Dermatology, Professor Jana Hercogova is best known for her excellence in research, education and training. An author of hundreds of papers, she is also a Regional Editor for Europe at International Journal of Dermatology, and editorial board member of ten professional publications and journals. A top presenter at key professional events, she is providing top scientific advisory to the VRF.

A world-renown expert on vitiligo, a key note lecturer at major dermatology meetings, visiting professor at several universities in homeland Italy and abroad, chairman and director of dermatology societies, a co-author of comprehensive book “Vitiligo: Problems and Solutions”, Professor Torello Lotti provides top scientific advisory to   the VRF. He has been Full Professor of the Dermatology and Venereology Division at University of Florence School of Medicine, Florence, Italy, from 2006 to 2010. He currently holds position of Full Professor and Chair of Dermatology and Venereology at the public University of Rome Guglielmo Marconi. The fields of his principal scientific investigations are focused on the study of neuropeptides in numerous skin diseases, of plasminogen activators in autoimmune dermatoses and in lichen planus, and the clinical aspects and treatment of psoriasis vulgaris with particular emphasis on new therapies with biological agents. Of particular relevance is his research on the pathogenesis and innovative treatments for vitiligo. An Honorary Professor of Dermatology, China Medical University at Shenyang (December, 2011). New York Academy of Sciences "Howard Fox" Awardee & Lecturer (March, 2012).

Yan Valle is a business development professional with cross-border knowledge of IT, biotech, health care systems and important customer segments. He has a diverse educational background which led to his experience across many disciplines. He received his MSc in Electroengineering, continued education in Business Administration in 1996, and focused on Computer Engineering in 2000. Prior to joining the VRF, he was a Director of Business Development at a leading technology company in Toronto. Before relocation to New York in 2000 and later up north, Yan had co-founded and sold a consulting company that served Fortune 500 companies, governments and venture funds in emerging markets of EEMEA and LATAM. Today, Yan develops a new, collaborative approach to medical research and development where like-minded investigators and volunteers create common pools of knowledge and processes upon which new discoveries and innovations are made.

Igor Korobko, PhD, D.Sci
Chief Scientific Director