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.
Kalina Petkova is known throughout the business community in Bulgaria and Eastern Europe as one of the region’s top human resources management, training and development executives. She brings nearly two decades of senior operational and strategic human resources management experience to Boyden, focusing primarily on clients in the consumer & retail, industrial, healthcare and life sciences sectors.
Professional Focus
- Over 16 years’ experience in operational and strategic human resources
- Member of the Consumer & Retail, Automotive and Healthcare & Life Sciences Practices
- Extensive experience in leadership roles with international companies expanding in Eastern Europe
- Background in the plastics industry, beverage production/distribution and retail
Business Expertise
- Recruitment, Training & Development Manager, AB InBev Bulgaria
- Human Resources Director for Bulgaria and Romania, AB InBev
- Human Resources Director, Carrefour Bulgaria; key role in the company’s expansion throughout Bulgaria, Albania and Macedonia
- Experience in the plastics industry
Areas of Expertise
Education & Certifications
- MBA in organisational development from St. Kliment Ohridski, Sofia University
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration from St. Kliment Ohridski, Sofia University
- Certified ISO Internal Auditor and 5S Internal Auditor
- Licensed SHL Test Administrator
- Member of the Board of the Bulgarian Executive Search Association
How Boyden helped a €200 million hearing protection company appoint a Country Manager to drive growth across France, Spain, Italy, and Greece.
Boyden partnered with a private equity-backed leader in automated test systems to execute a Partner-led search with disciplined assessment and rapid momentum, identifying a finalist within two weeks and closing the mandate within 60 days.
How Boyden placed a strategic SVP to drive e-mobility growth
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.
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.
To survive in the new competitive environment and master the legislative challenges set by the EU, the automotive sector needs an approach reset
As a family conglomerate grew in scale and complexity, its decentralized structure began to limit alignment. A generational transition created the opportunity to rethink leadership at the group level. Here’s how introducing centralized leadership brought clarity, coordination, and stronger governance.
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.
Contact Kalina Petkova today and let's get started