Speakers

Lecturers

Shigeru Taniguchi Shigeru Taniguchi

Shigeru Taniguchi is General Manager of Product Development Dept. in Dairy Business Unit of Meiji Co. Ltd, the leader in dairy products, especially milk and yogurt on Japanese FMCG market. He joint the company in 1982 after graduating from Agriculture Faculty of Kobe University and his career path in Meiji included many positions, remaining however devoted to the mainstream of R&D activities and technological expertise. Loyal to the Japanese tradition of lifelong employment system, he has been working in Pharmaceutical Department, New Materials Development Dept. of R&D Division (as a manager). Recently he has been one of the key-persons in launching such successful yogurt products for Meiji as "Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt 0 Fat" series, "LG 21" (long seller on Japanese market for probiotic yogurt to regulate the functions of the intestines) and "R-1" with proven immune stimulating effects against influenza.

Boyan Martinov Boyan Martinov

Boyan Martinov is a Sales Manager of the most successful Microsoft Dynamics partner in Bulgaria – Intelligent Systems Bulgaria. He has a Master degree in Computer Systems and Technologies from the Technical University of Sofia, as well as certificates from qualification courses in sales and marketing. He starts his career in the IT industry as a consultant and soon after he became a salesman at OmegaSoft. In the beginning of 2004, along with four of his colleagues, he founded Intelligent Systems Bulgaria. Boyan has more than 12 years of experience with integrated business management solutions. During his involvement in various projects, he has gained significant expertise and know-how for business processes, KPIs and challenges that Bulgarian companies most commonly face today.

Matthew Wilkinson Matthew Wilkinson

Matthew Wilkinson is Senior Policy Advisor, Corporate Relations, at WWF International. As a pharmacology graduate, Matthew has over 20 years experience working on public health and environmental issues.  He joined WWF, one of the world’s largest and most respected environmental NGOs, 10 years ago. Matthew is a policy advisor in a team that strategically engages companies working with them to demonstrate that making a positive contribution to the environment makes business sense. He has a particular role in developing and coordinating WWF’s engagement with retailers around the world.

Denis Moreau and Francine Freulon Denis Moreau and Francine Freulon

Denis Moreau, 37, had been working for the "industry" for six years. Then decided to turn to the "nature". He started bee-keeping work and then became a gardener in the Loire Valley. He worked for several months with another farmer - Vincent Favreau, who worked for a structure of the Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA). Denis Moreau decided to continue with him in the system of Community-Supported Agriculture. Now they both have about 100 consumers together.
Francine Frelon, 62, is a former teacher. She is a consumer at CSA and, she said, she was happy to find a system that allowed her not to go to the supermarket.

Kiril Kalev Kiril Kalev

Eng. Kiril Kalev is a General Representative of AHT Cooling systems/Austria, Katex Dr. Kalev Technologies Ltd. Dr Kiril Kalev graduated in engineering from the Technical University in Magdeburg, Germany. He worked at Bulgarian Academy of Science and after 1990 he started entrepreneurial and consulting work. As founder and CEO of the family business Katex Dr. Kalev Technologies, he represents and builds business in Bulgaria of companies from Germany and Austria, including LINDE, AHT Cooling Systems and others. He is one of the founders and CEO of the first private electronic media in Bulgaria – Radio FM Plus. He was ambassador in Austria from 1997 till 2001. In recent years, he manages and consults investments projects in marketing and corporate communications.

Blagoy Lashev Blagoy Lashev

Blagoy Lashev is a sales manager at Bar Code Systems Bulgaria Ltd. – one of the leading companies in Bulgaria in the field of mobile business information systems and barcode products and technologies. He is responsible for system solutions in the field of logistics and supply chain management. He has over 10 years of experience in this sphere, taking different positions in leading Bulgarian retail, distribution and manufacturing companies. He graduated in Business Logistics from the University of National and World Economy.

Tobias Schediwy Tobias Schediwy

Tobias Schediwy is the General Manager of Consumer Tracking CEE at GfK, one of the leading market research groups worldwide. Based at the regional headquarters in Vienna, he is in charge of the consumer panels in 14 CEE countries and member of the international GfK Consumer Tracking Board. GfK´s consumer panel services provide FMCG brand manufacturers and retailers with comprehensive shopper and consumer insights through internationally harmonized services and global knowledge. Tobias has a Master of Economics and Social Sciences at the Vienna University of Economics.

Gergana Marinova Gergana Marinova

Gergana Marinova is a research consultant at the GfK Consumer Tracking department. She consults leading producers in the FMCG sector through analyses of the consumer behavior and Consumer Diagnostics which explain the brands’ sales gains and losses, show parallel consumption, loyalty and the effect from new product launches, analyze strategic media planning and evaluate promotions and advertising impact on the brands’ sales, identify potential target groups. She is also responsible for conducting Shopper Analyses aiming to identify potential on categories and brands within the different retailers based on the consumers’ shopping behavior. Gergana graduated a bachelor degree of International Relations from UNWE, Sofia and a master degree of International Business from La Salle International Graduate School of Ramon Llull University, Barcelona.

David Kovacic, Senior Manager, PwC, South East Europe David Kovacic, Senior Manager, PwC, South East Europe

David’s main field of expertise is related to retail and FMCG industries, where he covers topics like strategy, supply chain management, HR policy, efficiency improvement and cost optimisation and loyalty programmеs. Before joining PwC, David worked at second biggest Slovenian retailer Engrotus d.d., where he held a position of retail director, responsible for the whole retail network. Prior to that he led store operations at Slovenian subsidiary of world's leading discount chain Aldi, where he also facilitated market entry to Slovenia.

Katarina Jaksic, Head of Censydiam for Central and Eastern Europe Katarina Jaksic, Head of Censydiam for Central and Eastern Europe

Katarina Jaksic has been working in the market research for 13 years. Katarina has background in psychology. Her research expertise is branding, concept development, communication evaluation and segmentation. In 2010 she has taken up a role of Head of Censydiam for Central and Eastern Europe. Since then, she leads business development of this methodology as well as staff trainings within in our region.

Nikolay Berov, CEO of Solarpro AD Nikolay Berov, CEO of Solarpro AD

Nikolay Berov has over 14 years experience on top management positions in big electronic companies, specialized in ecological and "green" projects. Не has a diploma from Technical University Sofia, as well as a number of professional qualifications and specializations, such as MBA from Chadwick University. From 2007 till now, Nikolay Berov is CEO of Solarpro AD. Between 1997 and 2007 he is Executive Director of EPIQ Group, part of EPIQ n.v. group. Between 2005 and 2007 he is Industrial Manager of EPIQ Group. From 1993 to 1996 Nikolay Berov is Managing Director of Sigma Delta Bulgaria Ltd., from 1991 to 1992 is consultant of Coopers & Lybrand, supporting foreign investors for privatization projects in Bulgaria. His career starts in 1977 as Technical Director of Microelectronica, Blagoevgrad, where he works till 1990.

Erikjan Lantink Erikjan Lantink

Erikjan Lantink is the Chief Operating Officer with Delhaize Bulgaria since the summer of 2011. Before that he occupied the position Market Vice President for the Southwestern market for Food Lion, LLC, а Delhaize America banner. Тhere he was responsible for 260 stores and over $2 billion in sales. He joined Food Lion, LLC in August 2007 as VP of Learning & Development. Prior to that Erikjan was based in Belgium as Director of Learning for Delhaize Group. Еrikjan joined Delhaize Group as Executive Director of Operations & Marketing at Delvita in the Czech Republic. He started his career by founding his own consulting firm in the Czech Republic in 1998, where he started his professional collaboration with Delhaize Group. Erikjan holds a degree in Business Economics from the State University in Groningen, Netherlands.

Dr. Cristoph Schulte Dr. Cristoph Schulte

Dr. Cristoph Schulte is a Customer Management Director and a Member of the Board of Directors of "Metro Cash and Carry Bulgaria". Prior to joining Metro in late 2009 he was CEO and co-owner of a small size German marketing agency. He started his career 2001 with McKinsey and Comp. in Duesseldorf and Detroit. He is holding a PhD in Capital market theory and finished his Diploma studies in Business Administration at Handelshochschule Leipzig. His passion is good food, red wine and contemporary art.

Erik-Karl Tupy Erik-Karl Tupy



Ing. Erik-Karl Tupy is a Channel, Marketing and Business services for retail industry Manager at IMB for Central and Eastern Europe. He joined IBM in 1992. He covered various national and international roles in people management, sales and as subject matter expert. Becoming a Business development Manager back in 2006, he started to develop Digital Video Surveillance as new offering of IBM, working with international solution provider, the IBM Lab and the local sales teams. With his switch to his current role in the IBM Systems&Technology Group, he brought the security theme and skills with him to establish a retail specific security portfolio.

Vladimir Chirikov Vladimir Chirikov

Vladimir Chirikov is a Manager of "Market Research and Industry Analysis" department in "ICAP Bulgaria" Jsc, a subsidiary of ICAP Group - one of the leading organizations for providing business information and management consultancy in Southeast Europe. The department's activities are related to the provision of specific market information on development of different industries and presentation of the main players in them. Chirikov started his career in ICAP in early 2008 and managed to develop the company's products, services and customers base in Bulgaria. During his 7-year consultancy practice he gained experience in various sectors of the Bulgarian economy. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master's degree in Public Sector Management from the University of Sofia "St. Kliment Ohridski".

Vladislav Tanchev Vladislav Tanchev

Vladislav Tanchev is a Marketing and Sales Manager in "Domain Boyar". He holds a Master's degree in social and economic geography. He has more than 12 years of experience in trading and marketing of FMCG. His career started as a trade representative of the Horeca channel in Zagorka AD. He works on development of the internal market structure in "Domain Boyar" AD (2002 – 2005). He was a Manager of "Metro Cash & Carry" stores in Rousse and Veliko Tarnovo and a Customer Service Manager (2005 – 2010). Since July 2010 he has worked in "Domain Boyar" again as a Marketing and Sales Manager. He has been a member of the Board of Directors since December 2010.

Yulian Dobrev Yulian Dobrev

Yulian Dobrev is Research Manager in "Pragmatica" agency and co-owner of the company. He has more than 12 years of experience in marketing research. He is an author of over 120 articles with focus on marketing. Some of the projects, he has participated in for the last three years were for HP. KFC, "Renault", Globul, "Bella Bulgaria", "Compass," "Sugar factories Gorna Oryahovitsa", AstraZeneka, AMGEN, BAI, DSK Bank.

Stoilko Apostolov Stoilko Apostolov

Stoilko Apostolov is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Since 1996, he has been engaged in development of sustainable and organic farming in Bulgaria. He has been Manager of the Foundation for Organic Agriculture "Bioselena" since 1997. The organization is engaged in consulting and training for organic farmers, processors and traders of organic products, as well as lobbying for organic food among consumers and public authorities. Foundation finances its operations mainly from international projects (Swiss Cooperation Programme, Norwegian program, EU programs). For the last 15 years, the organization has completed projects for more than 8 million Swiss francs.

Radina Zhelyazkova Radina Zhelyazkova

Radina Zhelyazkova has been an attorney at law in cooperation with Schoenherr Sofia since 2007. She specialises in Food law and Real Estate. She advises clients from the retail businesses on specific requirements concerning the materials intended to come into contact with food, on health and nutrition claims and food labelling, and foreign investors on all trade register related matters of their investments. Her additional area of specialisation is the acquisition and development of real estate in Bulgaria. She graduated from the University of Plovdiv and Humboldt University, Berlin (LL.M) and has been a member of the Bar Association since 2008. Radina's working languages are Bulgarian, German and English.

Elena Todorova Elena Todorova

Elena Todorova has been an attorney at law in cooperation with Schoenherr Sofia since 2006. She has more than 7 years of experience as a lawyer, mainly focusing on Food law, Real Estate law and Infrastructure projects in Bulgaria. Elena frequently advises EU-based retail businesses on the requirements of the domestic food control, health and nutrition claims and food labelling. She advises also developers and renewable energy producers on all real estate related matters of their investments and operations. Elena holds a Master’s degree in Law from the University of Sofia "St. Kliment Ohridski" (Sofia University, Bulgaria). She has been a member of Sofia Bar Association since 2003. Her working languages are Bulgarian, German and English.

Dr. Alessandro Zampagna - Managing Director, Centuria RIT Dr. Alessandro Zampagna - Managing Director, Centuria RIT

Graduated in Agricultural Science at University of Bologna, he obtained a Master Degree and a PhD in Rural Development at University College Dublin. He has wide international experience, speaking fluently Italian, English, French and Spanish, and he spent two years in Congo in a NGO rural development project. After experiences as Head of Project Department at several Service Centres in the agrofood sector, he became international agribusiness consultant. He currently is General Manager at Centuria, public-private Centre for Innovation that provides consulting services to 60 local industrial groups in agrofood and manufacturing sectors. Among other roles, he has been EC Project Evaluator in the Research Framework Program, and member of the evaluation committee for the Innovation Prize of Macfrut, international fruit and vegetable fair.

Milena Dragiyska-Dencheva Milena Dragiyska-Dencheva

Milena Dragiyska-Dencheva graduated in law from The University of Sofia "St. Kliment Ohridski" in 1997 and joined the law firm "Borislav Boyanov & Co". She earned an internationally recognized Master's degree in law (LL.M.) from the University of Tuebingen in Germany (1999) and MBA International Marketing from Business School Reutlingen in Germany (2001). She is a graduate of SwissCom (Switzerland Telecom). In 2002 she joined Lidl as regional sales manager for the regions Stuttgart and Karlsruhe. She continued her career at the company headquarters in Neckarsulm and in the structure of Lidl Austria in the Expansion and Administration departments. In 2005, when Lidl established its business in Bulgaria, she came to the country. When the company temporarily withdrew in 2006, she returned to Lidl headquarters and worked in the field of Project & Quality management. Since January 2007 she has worked in Lidl Bulgaria as CEO.

 

Friedrich J. Graf Friedrich J. Graf

Friedrich J. Graf is a Retail Expert for international Purchasing and Sales, Supply Chain Management, Category- and Product-Management. He has more than 25 years experience in retailing. He worked for various retail companies including the world’s largest retailer Wal Mart. He also developed various projects, such as implementation of Private Label and Category Management programs. Since 2008 he has been an independent Consultant and Interim Manager. F.J.G Consulting & Interim Management.