My name is Ilya Merenzon. I am the co-founder and CEO of World Chess (LSE:CHSS), a company that develops and commercializes chess. In my work, I focus on design (in chess and in general) as well as communications. I run World Chess fulltime — our HQ is in Berlin and London, but would be happy to meet founders and companies to discuss (and occasionally advise) on their development and growth. Also, ping me if you have an idea for chess you would like to discuss or pitch.
This is my most recent book (September 2024, co-published with FUEL) — it’s a photo book where chess is pictured in lifestyle settings and shows how it became so popular now (it turns out it was always popular!)
We partnered with my favorite typeface designer and artist Yuri Gordon to develop the unique map of chess openings.
We researched the connection between Catholic Church and chess and found that chess has a Patron Saint — it’s St. Theresa of Avila. We designed the first ever chess icons. Chess needs all the help it can get. More on this soon.
Bespoke typeface for chess tournaments and World Chess branding has been developed by Sasha Koltsov. We will soon offer it to chess organisers who would like to deploy our guidelines for chess events.
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