Nuvei Voices: Meet Ella Koren

From her first inbound call as a Sales Development Representative (SDR) to stepping into a Relationship Manager role, Ella Koren’s journey at Nuvei is a story of consistency and compounding growth. Joining straight out of college with little confidence but a lot of drive, Ella has gone on to earn SDR of the Quarter, SDR of the Year and - most importantly to her - the trust of the people and business around her.

Payments at the dinner table

For Ella, payments wasn't a cold introduction. With both parents and step-parents working in the payments industry, she grew up around the language of the business long before she ever worked in it.

"When I graduated, I knew I wanted to work in a fast-paced, global business. What stood out to me most about Nuvei was the opportunity for growth. It didn't feel like 'just a job' - it felt like a place where I could build a long-term career."

From volume to value

Ella joined as an inbound SDR - a role she describes as the best possible foundation. It sharpened her messaging, built her confidence, and taught her how to run effective discovery calls. She learned how to understand what prospects truly needed and how to position the right solutions.

Her move into a Senior SDR role focused on Strategic Accounts marked a real turning point. It became less about volume and more about being intentional. Fewer accounts, but higher stakes. Deep research, multiple stakeholders, complex businesses. It wasn't transactional selling - it was long-cycle, enterprise relationship building, and thinking more like a consultant.

Now transitioning into a Relationship Manager role, Ella sees it as a natural next step - one she describes in a single word: ownership.

"As an SDR, you open the opportunity. As a Relationship Manager, you own the relationship. I'm excited to help clients grow - whether that's expanding into new regions, optimising performance, or acting as a true partner to their business."

Consistency as a philosophy

When asked what's driven her recognition - SDR of the Quarter, SDR of the Year - Ella doesn't point to a single moment. She points to two words: consistency and curiosity.

"A couple of years ago, we were asked to choose a word to guide our year, and mine was 'consistency.' Sales naturally comes with highs and lows, and staying steady through both makes a huge difference. Curiosity is just as important - I genuinely enjoy understanding how businesses operate. The more I understand, the better questions I can ask."

Ella is also quick to credit the environment around her.

"The culture makes a huge difference. I've been surrounded by incredible managers and teammates who coach me, challenge me, and genuinely want to see me grow. That kind of support makes it much easier to perform at your best."

Growth beyond the role

Ella's proudest Nuvei moment isn't the award on her wall - it's who she's become since joining Nuvei.

"When I joined straight out of college, I had very little confidence. I was nervous to even pick up the phone. The growth I've experienced - both professionally and personally - means more to me than any title. Honestly, this job changed my life. I needed this role, and I've grown into a completely different person since I started."

Watching others grow drives Ella just as much as her own progress. As the oldest of four sisters and a younger brother, she's always carried a strong sense of responsibility and a nurturing instinct that shows up in how she approaches her work and her team.

Life beyond the pipeline

Outside of Nuvei, Ella is goal-driven in every area of her life - setting milestones across fitness, finances, and career with equal intention. She's a pickleball and Pilates regular, loves discovering new food spots, and rarely passes up a long walk, usually with her French bulldog in tow.

For anyone considering joining Nuvei, her take is straightforward:

"Nuvei is a place where performance is recognised, ownership is encouraged, and careers are truly built - not just jobs. I've never once felt like I needed to look elsewhere to grow."

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