In the Media
Adapting and Thriving Under the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan
Stela Ouzounova
Principal, Bulgaria
Stela Ouzounova is a results-focused professional with extensive expertise in assessing and recruiting exceptional leaders. Her international track record of 20 years in executive search and HR demonstrates her ability to connect high-performing individuals and build enduring partnerships. Additional background in coaching gives her insight into candidates’ potential to make an impact.
Professional Focus
- 20 years’ experience in executive search and recruitment, human resources, leadership assessment and development
- International/cross-border executive search and leadership assessment in pharmaceuticals, energy, finance & banking, technology
- Develops and executes talent acquisition strategies in collaboration with Managing Partners
- Published numerous articles, papers and research reports and gave TV and radio interviews on topics related to HR, leadership, Bulgarian labour market and business environment; main editor and co-author of the book Wise Leaders Today
- Fluent in Bulgarian and English, with good command of Russian and basic German
Business Expertise
- Freelance Researcher/Consultant with Boyden Bulgaria
- Leadership and business development roles with Equinox Partners coaching and development and Orfea Sonicentre
- Partner and Executive Director with a global executive search firm, then-biggest in Bulgarian market; promoted from Head of Client Services, Bulgaria and Macedonia and Consultant/Senior Consultant; established new office in Macedonia and developed local team
- Earlier experience as a foreign language trainer
Additional Expertise
- Human Resources
- Financial Services
- Banking & Capital Markets
- Energy
- Technology
Areas of Expertise
Education & Certifications
- MBA from University of Lincoln, UK
- MA in English & American Studies from University of Sofia
- English & American Studies at University of Leeds, UK
- Certified Thomas International Management System behavioural analyst
- Certified CEB-SHL Assessment Consultant
- Certified Intunity Coach
- Certified Practitioner of Suggestopedia in English language teaching
Affiliations & Awards
- Member, Bulgarian Human Resources Management Association
- Fellow, US German Marshall Fund (GMF) Fellowship Programme
- Member, GMF Selection Committee for EMEA region
Case Studies
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From Innovation to Execution: Leadership in Power Semiconductor Development
How Boyden placed a strategic SVP to drive e-mobility growth
Cybersecurity Excellence: Strengthening Trust and Digital Resilience
A Caribbean financial and mortgage bank partnered with Boyden to recruit a strategic Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), enhancing cybersecurity governance and supporting digital transformation across the organization.
Bridging the Gap: Finance Meets Operations in Agribusiness
How Boyden partnered with one of the world’s largest nut and grape producers to recruit transformative operational-finance leadership.
Thought Leadership
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Articles & Papers
Private Equity's Role in Powering the Energy Transition
As energy markets transform, private equity is driving the transition with diversified portfolios and leaders who can master both legacy and renewable systems.
Boyden Report Series
What’s Next for Industry? AI, Transformation, and the Talent Imperative
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.
Blog Post
Revitalising the European Automotive Sector: Navigating New Challenges and Embracing Innovation
To survive in the new competitive environment and master the legislative challenges set by the EU, the automotive sector needs an approach reset
Industry Insights
China’s Bet on Europe’s Emobility
Chinese carmakers are finding success in the European automotive market via a surge in EV sales and their home country’s dominance in battery manufacturing.
Contact Stela Ouzounova today and let's get started