An overview of recent Big Food splits, including Unilever and Kraft Heinz, exploring whether demergers are strategic growth opportunities or risky moves amid investor skepticism and operational challenges.
Elena Stoitchkova has nearly 20 years’ HR experience and strong business acumen. Since joining Boyden in 2021, she has contributed greatly to our executive search and leadership consulting services. She approaches search with deep insight into the role of talent in organizational development, and gains a comprehensive understanding of her clients’ business needs to develop leadership solutions.
Professional Focus
- Experience in senior HR roles within global companies as well as leadership consulting, coaching and executive search experience
- Extensive HR and business expertise including human capital strategy, leadership assessment and development, talent acquisition and management, business strategy, organizational development, transformation and change management, leading engagement and employee commitment, HR analytics, psychometrics, and project management
- Experience building leadership teams for transformation and growth-stage businesses
- Specialised industry expertise in FMCG, pharmaceuticals, and industrial
- Certified and experienced executive and leadership development coach
- Fluent in Bulgarian and English
Business Expertise
- Independent ICF-Certified Executive and Leadership Coach
- HR Director at PHOENIX Pharma Bulgaria, part of PHOENIX Group, the largest pharmaceutical wholesaler in Germany and one of Europe’s leading pharmaceutical distributors
- Various talent development roles, at local and regional level, as part of Kamenitza AD, a Molson Coors Beverage Company
Additional Expertise
- Consumer Products - FMCG
- Pharmaceuticals
- Industrial
Areas of Expertise
Education & Certifications
- Master’s degree in psychology from Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, specialisation in labour and organizational psychology and psychology of adult development
- Accredited Certified Coach (ACC), International Coaching Federation (ICF)
- Certified NLP Practitioner, MLC International (Management and Leadership Coaching)
A medium-sized mechanical engineering company took advantage of the close cooperation between executive search and interim management to quickly fill a critical COO position while simultaneously transforming its production processes in a sustainable manner.
How Boyden brought experienced FMCG leadership to a PE-backed consumer products business preparing to scale in France.
Boyden partners with a second-generation, family-owned defense services company to appoint a Vice President of Human Resources, strengthening leadership infrastructure and supporting the organization's growth toward $200 million in revenue.
A European family-owned business approaching generational transition recognized that its U.S. operation required more than continuity—it required growth. The challenge was to redefine leadership for a critical market while navigating family dynamics and cross-border complexity. Here’s how the right appointment helped unlock the company’s U.S. potential.
As energy markets transform, private equity is driving the transition with diversified portfolios and leaders who can master both legacy and renewable systems.
Industrial Trends Report: Analysing markets, studies, and trends on how AI, machine learning, and digitalisation are reshaping the industrial sector, with expert insights on talent and leadership from Boyden’s Global Industrial Practice Members.
Drawing on conversations with Cees Talma of Welch's, Steve Goodyear of Summit Hill Foods, and Chris Gregg of NuTrail, this article explores how changing consumer preferences, increased retailer influence, digital commerce, and the need for greater agility are reshaping leadership priorities across the food and beverage industry.
Unilever’s potential exit from its Foods division could reshape Big Food, triggering supply‑chain shifts, leadership changes, and major competitive realignment.
Big Food is rapidly reinventing itself through accelerated M&A, rebranding, and wellness‑driven product innovation. Boyden Partner Doug Ehrenkranz provides expert insights on the rising demand for protein-rich, nutrient‑dense, and gut‑friendly foods shaping today’s CPG strategies.
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