Management Team
Dr. Igor Kotlyar, Ph.D., MBA
Founder, President
Igor Kotlyar conceived the idea of a browser-based virtual dating application after his previous company was acquired by a strategic investor. OmniDate was the first company to develop a plug-in virtual dating application and, in 2009, it was recognized for its innovation with the prestigious Red Herring Top 100 Global Innovators Award. Prior to OmniDate, Dr. Kotlyar was co-founder and CEO of a successful software company which developed and commercialized web-based video simulations for the assessment of sales skills.
Ravit Abelman
Co-Founder, Partnerships and Marketing
Ravit Abelman brings to the table her unsurpassed ability to build successful business relationships. She works closely with partners to ensure OmniDate delivers ROI through technological and social innovation. Ravit is passionate about helping people improve their lives through technology. Her approach is to listen and understand the needs of clients and users, and translate these into OmniDate's product. Prior to co-founding OmniDate, Ms. Abelman held senior positions in marketing and business development.
Doug Copeland
Chief Technology Officer
Doug Copeland provides OmniDate's technical vision and directs R&D. He is driven by innovation and has an extensive track record of creating and launching web-based applications. Mr. Copeland's experience includes building a successful software company, specializing in authoring software components for intelligent media applications. He also served as a lead developer at Microsoft Corporation, where he worked on projects in the Multimedia Systems group and the Microsoft Research group.
Advisory Board
Dr. Dan Ariely
Professor of Behavioral Economics, Duke University
Dan Ariely is the James Duke Professor of Behavioral Economics at Duke University, where he holds appointments at the Fuqua School of Business and the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience. He is also a visiting professor in MIT’s Media Arts and Sciences, a fellow at Diamond Management and Technology Consultants, and President of the Society for Judgment and Decision Making. Professor Ariely published more than 50 research studies, including "Improving Online Dating with Virtual Dates." He is also the author of the best-selling book Predictably Irrational.
Tony Johnston, CGA, MBA
President, Compass Group North Inc.
Tony Johnston is a highly regarded senior business executive and entrepreneur with substantial experience in strategy development and operational execution. During his career, Mr. Johnston held a number of C-level positions with private and public companies. His past experience includes organizing new successful ventures in biotechnology, mortgage services and consulting; leading corporate turnarounds; and conducting over $2.5 billion in debt, equity, derivatives and M&A transactions.
Mark Brooks
Editor, Online Personals Watch
Mark Brooks is Editor of Online Personals Watch, the #1 online resource for the business of online dating and matchmaking. His expertise in the industry has made him a regular keynote speaker at conferences around the world and a highly sought after consultant to internet dating and social networking companies. He has advised the CEO's of some of the most successful dating sites, including Friendster, Friendfinder, Cupid, Webdate, PlentyofFish, TRUE, and is currently the President of the Internet Dating Executive Alliance.
