A large part of MIA´s success may be attributed to the expert leadership of Shefalika Marescotti, a veteran of the children´s illustration industry who has led the agency since 1989. Shefalika leverages her extensive business network to develop rewarding long-term working relationships with many global leaders of the publishing industry. The loyalty of her clients - demonstrated by a 100% customer retention rate - is a testament to the world-class quality, reliability and professionalism of MIA´s boutique illustration services.

MIA´s illustrations are sold across six continents underlining the importance of understanding the cultural nuances of each unique audience. Clients enjoy the level of cultural sensitivity Shefalika demonstrates having successfully managed countless international collaborations with the most important publishing houses in the world. The best editors and art directors in the business trust her to select the illustrators who are most able and best suited to achieving their vision.

Shefalika ensures that clients and illustrators alike receive the leadership and support they require for the success of every project. She is committed to the professional development and artistic promotion of every one of MIA´s illustrators. Her passion for world-class illustration extends beyond professional and creative excellence. Shefalika has steered MIA toward its current role as the industry leader in corporate social responsibility. The agency is actively engaged in several global initiatives aimed at promoting inclusiveness and diversity as well as empowering women and children.

Federico Marescotti, the current CFO of Milan Illustrations Agency, has provided MIA with financial leadership since 1989. MIA trusts his sound business acumen and venture capital experience to steer our expansion into global markets such as North America and Asia.

Federico started his career with Hambros Bank (London) in 1980. In 1986, he entered the family business, a general contracting company in the environmental field. In 2000, Federico founded Vela Capital. In 2004, Federico became Chairman and CEO of Friulia SpA, Italy's publicly controlled finance company that provides development capital to SMEs. In 2013, he took over as CEO of Gruppo Illy, where he first joined as a member of the board.

In addition to Gruppo Illy, Federico has been a board member of Italian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association, Ecofin Water & Power Opportunities and JP Morgan Fleming Fledgeling European Companies. He is Director of Dunedin Enterprise Investment Trust and International Adviser to ADCO International.

Rohan Verma has served as Chief Marketing Officer for Milan Illustrations Agency since January 2019. He has achieved continuous improvements in our strategic marketing assets and capabilities and is focused on driving growth into new markets and geographic territories. Rohan holds degrees in Economics (Honors) and Business Administration (Finance) from Loyola College and California State University, respectively.

In 2005, Rohan launched his professional career as an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software engineer and consultant based in Los Angeles, California. In 2008, he leveraged a partnership with California Manufacturing Technology Consulting to found RK Global, an international growth marketing agency with clients across a myriad of industries including aerospace, automotive, hydraulics, electronics, retail, software consulting, art and music.

In 2020, Rohan founded HAPPYBay, an eCommerce platform featuring sustainable brands with products that are environmentally-friendly, ethically produced, cruelty-free and healthy. The MIA online store, featuring giclee prints from our team of 130 world-class children´s illustrators, will be launched in partnership with HAPPYBay in May 2021. Rohan currently lives and works in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Since June 2020, Tariq Mohammed has served as MIA´s North American Customer Success Manager. He is also responsible for developing programs which uphold MIA’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Tariq holds degrees in Government with a concentration in International Relations from Bowdoin College as well as in Education with a specialization in Physical Education and Coaching from Boston University. As a collegiate squash player, Tariq ranked #1 at Bowdoin College and was the State Champion in Maine. Tariq interned at the Aga Khan Foundation in Washington, D.C. and volunteered his time with the Mother Teresa Missionaries of Charity.

Beginning in 2000, Tariq served as a Research Assistant at the Center for International Development at Harvard University, where he co-authored research with the World Economic Forum which was published by Oxford University Press in 2002. Between 2003 and 2004, Tariq served as a U.N. volunteer in Uganda reporting to Cisco Systems, the U.S. Agency for International Development and the United Nations Development Program. Based at Makerere University, he developed educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth through the Least Developed Countries Initiative. Tariq later joined Reebok as an assistant manager of their human rights programs.

In addition to a successful corporate career, Tariq has enjoyed coaching squash teams at Commonwealth School, Phillips Academy Andover, Concord Academy, Tufts University, and Harvard University. While at Harvard, Tariq served as the Technical Director for the Complete Squash Camps and Kidsquash. In 2011, Tariq was named the “Developmental Coach of the Year for Squash” by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee.