Dr. Till W. Truckenmüller studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Stuttgart and received a Dr.rer.pol. at the Faculty of Business Administration.

The thesis was generated parall to the 5 years he worked for Fraunhofer Insitut IPA/IAO. He lead a team of 5 Experts and was responsible for large international industry projects. Key aspects of activity were corporate and plant planning, strategy consulting and process optimization.

About 300 projects and more than 40 M&A transactions have been successfully performed as Managing Director or member of the Executive Board of the consulting companies Baumgartner, Kienbaum, Logika and IMACOS Group.

His industrial leadership bases on the experience as director in the ABB group and as interim manager in more than 10 companies in several industries, e.g. Sales Executive ThyssenKrupp Krause, Turnaround Executive Manager Schulte & Co, Chief Representative YMOS Group. Core branches: automotive and machinery industry.

Many years of experience in the privatisation process of state industries.

Experience in Central and Eastern Europe since more than two decades: Set up of plants and shared service activities, acquisition of businesses, infrastructure projects (railway industry, energy, plant engineering).

Expert for: Turnaround and interim management, mergers & acquisitions, corporate finance, all commercial functions and sales. Information about clients and more, see www.imacos.com

President of Automotive Cluster Bulgaria (ACB), www.automotive.bg

Member of Caux Round Table (CRT), www.cauxroundtable.de

Dr. Roland Wenger joined Daimler in March 2004 in the field of supplier management. Until 2010 he was responsible for diverse cost optimization projects and for the Sourcing of Interior Parts (e.g. instrument panel, door trim). Since 2010 Dr. Wenger is responsible for the Strategic Supplier Management within the Procurement of Mercedes-Benz Cars including Sourcing and Negotiation Strategies, Supplier Performance Measurement, Cost Optimization Projects and Definition of future Supply Base.

Roland Wenger earned a Master´s degree in Industrial Engineering from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and a PhD in Economics from the University of St. Gallen (Switzerland).

Born in France, Bussiere joined Thales after university, a European defense electronic company, in charge of business development in south-east Asia. Five years later he moved to Alstom Transport in charge of electric locomotives sales in Europe, before joining Citroen in 2001. Posted in Mainland China for 4 years he handled the Citroen brand development until 2005.
He subsequently returned to France to take up the position of Deputy International Sales Director at Citroen responsible for North-Africa, Middle-East and Asian markets.
From Citroen, Bussiere joined PSA Peugeot Citroen Corporate Strategy department and directly participated in setting-up the alliance with General Motors. He joined Hyundai as General Manager in early 2013.

Based in Frankfurt and accountable for Hyundai Motor Strategic Planning in Europe, Bussiere combines his experience of Asia and Automotive to advance the Hyundai brand in Europe.

2012 – today Vice President Seat Covers & Metal GRAMMER AG P&L responsible for all internal core activities GRAMMER Group World Wide lead of sewing and metal chain activities Amberg – Germany

2010 – 2012 Site General Manager Valeo Climate Control & Security System P&L responsible for both activities in Mexico Customer production and deliveries for Nafta Valeo Toluca – Mexico

2007 – 2010 Project and Engineering director Climate Control Project director Engine Cooling Responsible for project development and engineering for South American Air Conditioning market Valeo Itatiba – SP - Brasil

2005 – 2007 Program Manager Ford, PSA, Renault - Nissan programs – climate control Responsible for quality, costs, deliveries World wide program coordination with NAFTA – EUROPE – ASIA Valeo Itatiba – SP - Brasil

2001 – 2005 Project Manager Daimler Chrysler A & B Class – Climate Control Responsible for quality, costs, deliveries Additional coordination of 2 Valeo Division in Front of DC Valeo Bad Rodach – Germany

2000 – 2001 Project Buyer – Daimler Chrysler customer group Family buyer coordination in project team Valeo Bad Rodach – Germany

1999 – 2000 Family Buyer – purchasing department switch, panel, foil, wire harnesses, resistors Valeo Bad Rodach – Germany

1997 – 1998 Quality Supplier – process validation foam, plastic and metal components Valeo Bad Rodach – Germany

EDUCATION:

1995 – 1997 Master of Business Studies “Maîtrise Sciences de Gestion”, France

1994 – 1995 5th and 6th Semester – Fachhochschule Landshut (Polytechnic), Germany

1992 – 1994 Polytechnic : international business “Techniques de Commercialisation” – France

Studies:

Technical University Graz, Austria Dipl.-Ing. Mechanical Engineering (1985)

University of Economics Vienna,Austria, University of Minnesota, USA MBA (2005)

Professional Development:

1985 – 1988 BMW Motoren GmbH, Steyr, Austria
Diesel Engines Development Center Engineer

1988 – 1996 Robert Bosch GmbH, Stuttgart, Germany
Business Unit Diesel Systems Key Account Manager US-Customers

1996 – 2000 Robert Bosch Corporation, Chicago, IL, USA
Business Unit Diesel Systems Project Manager and Key Account Manager

2000 - 2001 Robert Bosch Corporation, Detroit, MI, USA
Business Unit Diesel Systems Director Sales, Diesel Systems North America

2001 – 2006 Robert Bosch AG, Vienna, Austria
Business Field Automotive Technology Director Original Equipment Sales
Austria and South East Europe

Since 2006 Robert Bosch AG, Vienna, Austria
Business Field Automotive Technology
Vice President OE Sales Austria and South East Europe
Vice President OE Sales Hyundai Europe and Suzuki Europe

Since 2008 in addition:
Board member Bosch General Aviation Technology GmbH, Vienna, Austria
Board member Bosch Engineering GmbH, Abstatt, Germany

Married, three sons

Ludwigshafen / Germany

Mr. Tadeusz Ziarko is a member of the regional management of Festo for Central and Eastern European countries in Vienna, Austria having long-term experience in co-operation with car manufacturers and suppliers such as VW Skoda, GM, Renault, AvtoVAZ, Continental, Michelin in the field of factory automation. In recent years, he has led activities primarily focused on the Russian market and developed a strong position of Festo in the automotive industry of this country.

Mr. Stefan Ivanov is General Manager of Festo EOOD, part of the international structure of Festo AG&Co.

He has graduated as M.Sc. Eng. In Hydraulics & Pneumatics at Technical University in Sofia and has more than 17 years of experience in the field of Industrial Sales. His experience he gained especially in the field of Turn key projects of High voltage substations, Foreign trade, Supervision of fire fighting pumping stations, Technical and Sales of pumps, Sales of tools. In recent years, he has led activities focused on the Bulgarian market and developed a strong position of Festo in the automotive industry.

Dr. Jutta Schiffers joined Johnson Controls in October 2012 as Executive Director, Global Software Engineering and TC Sofia.

During the past two years, Jutta has been a consultant for business strategies, processes and reorganizations, as well as new business development in the automotive industry. Prior to that, she worked in different managerial roles at ASML, General Motors/Adam Opel, BMW group, and has focused for the past 15 years on Software and Systems Engineering management.

Jutta earned a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Passau, Germany, as well as a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Ulm, Germany. She spent parts of her studies in Pasadena, USA at the California Institute of Technology.

Ivo Todorov has worked for Prista Oil Holding EAD since 2005 occupying the following positions:

• CEO of Prista Oil Ukraine, leading the commercial and logistic activities of the company
• Chief Operational Officer, responsible for the operations in all Prista Oil entities, including supply and commercial management of 14 affiliates, and large number of independent distributors;
• Management Board Member and CEO of Prista Oil Beograd AD;
• Chief Commercial Officer - strategies, sales and policies for over 25 markets;
• CEO of “Prista Oil Holding” EAD.

Before joining “Prista Oil Holding” EAD he has 4 years of experience as a Vice President, Director Directorate “Foreign Investments” – “Bulgartabac Holding Group”, in the period 2001- 2005 year.

Graduated from University of Economics in Prague.

Mr. Vesely started working in Skoda in Sales Department and then changed to Procurement/ Import Department. After merging with VW, he took over the position of Head of Purchasing Department – Commodity Interieur and Exterieur Since 1995 Mr. Vesely was leading the departments with purchasing responsibility for New Projects, Financial Planning, Capacity Management, Cost Optimization, New Products Launch Management and Localization Projects with focus on India.

In November 2013 Mr. Vesely left Skoda and was appointed as the Director of VW Group Purchasing Office in Budapest and Istanbul with responsibility for East Europe, Turkey and GUS countries (except Russia).

Herbert Fisch was born in Krefeld, Germany, in 1958. He studied chemistry in Mainz and Heidelberg. After earning his doctorate in 1988, he did a postdoc at Université de Montpellier in France.

Professional Career

2008 Managing Director BASF Hungária Kft. and Platform
South East Europe

2005 Director e-business BASF global

2003 Head of Global Automotive Marketing Styrenics, BASF

1999 Director at Association of Plastics Manufacturers, Brussels, Belgium

1994 Product Manager Engineering Plastics, BASF

1988 Polymer research BASF, Ludwigshafen / Germany

Director of Sales for Aluminium semi-finished products central Europe at ETEM Sa since 2002 especially on Automotive products. With a long experience as Director Sales on Aluminium profiles D, A, CH, at company Reynolds, Also worked as Director Sales/Deputy Managing Director for coated and galvanized steel strip at companies INDUCOLOR, VERTRIEBSGESELLSCHAFT FÜR OBERFLÄCHENVEREDELTE FLACHPRODUKTE GmbH, and Head of Branch Office, Handlungsbevollmächtigter for Stainless steel, nickel based alloys and welding consumables at BIBUS INCO ALLOYS

Jerome CHEVROLET joins GEFCO Group in 2007, after 8 years of experience in Renault SAS, Moscow. He has been managing director of GEFCO Ukraine for 5 years and currently holds the same position in Bulgarian subsidiary. Besides that he is also in charge of the coordination of all the GEFCO subsidiaries located in the Balkan area – Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Slovenia.

Mr. Chevrolet is a graduate of “Ecole des mines de Saint-Etienne” (France, 1996), and is fluent in French, Russian and English.

Aleksander Raczynski has more than 10 years of experience in different logistics activities. He started his carrier in Italy and Poland working as a Business Development Specialist for TNT Automotive Logistics. He gained managerial experience working as a Business Development Manager for CAT Vehicle Logistics covering Poland, Baltic States, Ukraine and Russia.

Raczynski joined GEFCO Group in 2005 as a Financial Controller for Russia. Since 2007 Raczynski has been occupying the position Managing Director for a GEFCO JV company in Moscow - Algai Automotive Logistics. From March 2011 to March 2013 he has been Managing director of GEFCO Bulgaria.

Aleksander Raczynski has a Master’s Degree in Economy from the Academy of Economy in Krakow, Poland. Speaks Polish, English, Russian, and Italian.

2006 – current: Co-Founder and Chairman of Managing Board of Cluster for Information and Communication Technologies – www.ictcluster.bg

2008 – Co-Founder of ‘Bulgarian Telecom Cluster’ – http://btcluster.org/

2009 – Co-Founder of ‘Bulgarian Cluster for Microelectronics and Embedded Systems’ – www.cmees.org

2009 – Co-Founder and from 2012 - Chairman of Bulgarian Association of Business Clusters - http://www.abclusters.org/

2012 – current: Member of board of trustees of European Software Institute – Center Bulgaria - http://www.esicenter.bg/

Business:

2003 - current: Chairman of BoD of SmartCom Bulgaria Group { SmartCom Bulgaria AD, Smart Lab Bulgaria Ltd. and SmartCom Turkey Ltd. } – Leading Telecom System Integrator and Developer. Bulgarian Sixth National Innovation Forum 2010 - elected the company as most innovative Bulgarian enterprise. www.smartcom.bg

Education 2004 European Software Institute, Bilbao, Spain Systems for Quality Control in Software Industry, Introductory Course

1995–1997 New Bulgarian University Sofia; Collaboration program with Open University, London in Effective Management

1978–1983 Technical University Sofia; Master of Science in Telecommunications

Interests:

Innovations in the field of high technologies, telecommunications, Informatics, Information security
- Development of contemporary, effective ’service based economy’ in Bulgaria.
- Assistance in teaching talented children in the field of Informatics, Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy.
- Co-founder of http://ict-school.org/
- Member of board of trustees of College for Telecommunications and Post. http://english.hctp.acad.bg/

Karlheinz Bechtle is a consultant at the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Finance and Economics. In the department for SMEs and Markets, he is responsible for the EU-Danube Region Strategy. The state of Baden-Württemberg in cooperation with Croatia coordinates the Priority Area 8, Competitivness of enterprises including Cluster Development, of this macro-regional strategy. After starting his career in the municipal administration he joined the state administration. His range of responsibilities included: development, supervision and implementation of initiatives and measures for international cooperation, foreigen trade and location marketing as well as clusters. In addition he has long experience in the field of cooperation with EE Countries. He holds a B.A. degree in public management from the University of Applied Sciences for Finance and Administration.

Born on 03.03.1977 in Sofia Bulgaria
Studied in Sofia Technical University, in the Academy of Economics in Svishtov, Bulgaria, in Beijing Language and Culture University and in the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, China

Professional experience:

2008 – present Joined LITEX Motors JSC in 2008 as a member of the team that started the negotiations with Great Wall Motors, which led to the LITEX Motors and Great Wall Motors joint factory built in the city of Bahovitsa. Currently Anton Dontchev is a Member of the LITEX Motors board and is also heading the LITEX Motors JSC office in China

2006 – 2009 Member of the Board of Directors as a representative of the foreign partner of Ningbo Drivecraft Co., LTD, a company engaged in wheel manufacturing for OEM and the aftermarket.

2003 – present In 2003 joined CPC (Counter pressure casting) Group, which is the one of the leading provider of aluminum casting solutions for the automotive industry, including casting machines, molds and supplies, with all the production facilities located in Bulgaria. In the past ten years, while serving through the years as Representative for China, Chief Representative for China and then as CEO of CPC Asia and Director in CPC Group ensured the steady export and installation of Counter pressure casting machine lines and equipment and the group is still currently probably the largest exporter of machinery from Bulgaria to China

1999-2003 Joined Beijing Shuangsite Co., LTD, first as a translator and later on as an officer in the Export Marketing department and finally serving as the Head of Export department

Born February, 16th 1977 in Iserlohn, Germany. Graduated in Electrical Engineering.

1999 – 2002: R&D in the field of dynamic weighing and RF-identification technology.

2002: Entrance to Würth Group as sales engineer for electromechanical components with focus on customers in the field of consumer goods. In 2005 he changed his scope to the automotive industry by a changeover to Würth Elektronik iBE Group, a manufacturer of customized passive components. In his function as sales manager, Mr.Jordan took over the responsibility for international sales. In 2010 he got nominated as General Manager of Würth Elektronik iBE Group. Würth Elektronik iBE owns production plants in Germany, Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Mexico and employs around 800 employees. The turnover in 2012 was close to 40 Mio. EURO.

Mr. Zlatan Kitanov studied at the 91st German Language High School in Sofia.

Graduated from the Military Higher School of Civil Engineering earned a Master’s degree in Civil and Industry Engineering - Construction Engineer - Constructor and Bachelor's degree in Organization and Management of Land Forces Tactical Units - lieutenant.

In 2001 he started working for the iBE induktive Bauelemente GmbH with the task to research the possibilities for establishing a production plant in Bulgaria. When the company was founded in 2002 under the name of IBE Bulgaria EOOD he was appointed as General Manger with the prime goals to renovate the acquired buildings and areas and set up personnel and production. The gathered experience was praised also in 2005 by the acquisition of iBE in the Würth Group and his leadership secured the growing importance of the raising Bulgarian company with 250 employees and further enhancing production areas.

June 2010- Present
Managing Director at Traneks Corporation

Responsibilities:
• Overall responsible for the Company’s day to day operations.
• Lead & direct marketing plans and strategies to contribute to sales of properties successfully.
• Establish plans & strategies to expand the customer base in marketing area and contribute to the sales of properties successfully.
• Plan and carry out sales and marketing activities for property developments.
• Prepare action plans for effective search of sales leads & prospects.
• Assist in the development & implementation of marketing plans as needed.
• Maintain accurate records of all pricings, sales, and activity reports.
• Conduct project feasibility study of potential development projects.
• Make presentations and recommendations on development concept, preliminary programme and budget.
• Prepare development/project brief, which include setting time, cost and quality objectives for the project.
• Take the lead in selection and appointment of project consultants and contractors, and coordinate and monitor their work done.
• Identify potential construction related issues or contractual disputes and effect appropriate solutions.
• Manage the project to meet the time, cost and quality objectives.
• Providing commercial evaluation of bids received and arranging formal execution of subcontracts in accordance with customer requirements, best value outcomes, company policy, building regulations and other relevant legislation.

Sep 2008 – June 2010

Chief Executive Officer at Prime Property BG REIT

Prime Property BG REIT is the first public investment vehicle licensed the Bulgarian Financial Supervisory Board in January 2004. Prime Property BG has acquired experience from working in Bulgaria and abroad. The blend of education and experience acquired in Western Europe and the US and the knowledge of the local market and practices is guarantee for the success of the company.
Responsibilities: - Responsible for all the processes, connected with the management of the Company’s investments in Bulgaria – beginning with the preliminary researches and the design, through the financing and the construction, up to putting into exploitation and the final realization of the assets. - Methodical, professional and administrative management of the execution of the particular Company. -Management, selection and evaluation the performance of the Company stuff. - Analyzing all internal and external documents, concerning payments, in connection with contracts or in cases of necessity, keeping a close watch on the accuracy of the primary documents. - Managing the contracting relationships, in which the Company is engaged in order to carry out the above mentioned activities.
Strategic investors in Prime Property BG REIT: IMMOFINANZE AG Austria, Doverie Pension Assurance Company – part of Vienna Insurance Group Austria, Bulstrad Insurance Group.

Nov 2006 – June 2008
Chief Executive Officer at Bellevue Property Management EAD

The company is a 100% subsidiary of EQUEST Ltd, London – a listed investment company on London Stock Exchange and Vienna Stock Exchange, as an investment management and advisory company focused on emerging markets and especially on the growing economies in the South East European region.

July 2005 – Nov 2006
Global Sales and Marketing Director at HUVEPHARMA AD.

Sep.2000 – July 2005 Regional Sales Manager API (Australia and New Zealand, Latin America, Asia, Africa) at ACTAVIS AD

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

+ Master of Business Administration (MBA), with honors Vienna University of Economics and Business, Vienna, Austria.

+ Master of Business Administration (MBA), with honors University of Minnesota- Minneapolis USA.
Austrian WU diploma (EQUIS and FIBAA accredited) and an American MBA diploma from University of Minnesota- Minneapolis, USA (AACSB accredited)

Key topics:
- Managing people and organization
- Data analysis and Decision Making
- Finance accounting
- Managerial accounting
- Strategic marketing management
- Financial management
- Operation management
- Negotiation and conflict management
- Strategies for a global company
A) Certificate of graduated program (Managing Globalization) Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou, China. Professional training at Midea Ltd. - Guangzhou, China.
B) Certificate of graduated program (IT Management) Indian School of Business in Hyderabad, India. Professional training at Microsoft and Infosys.
C) Certificate of graduated program (Economics in transition) School of Management, St. Petersburg University in St. Petersburg, Russia. Professional training at Kraft Foods and Japan Tabacco.

USA professional training at Estee Louder- New York, Thomson Reuters- New York, General Mills- Minnesota, 3M- Minnesota, Medtronic- Minnesota.

Stefan Reiber born in Reutlingen, Germany in 1967 is now round 23 year an expert in manufacturing of wire harnesses and since 20 years responsible for the KEMMLER Electronic Group with Headquarter in Freiberg am Neckar/Baden Württemberg-Germany. The profession of Stefan Reiber is technicians combined with Industrial Engineering. Under his direction KE established a production plant in Czech Republic in 1996 - which is working since this time successfully. Beginning of 2013 a further company was founded - now in Bulgaria. KE wants to cover the future demands and challenges in the electronic supplier market. The company produces wire harnesses and high voltage applications for automotive industry, electrical tools, forklifts, industry and new technologies. Future aim is to reinforce and develop KE to a strong international brand and player in the market of wire harnesses and electronic equipment.

Tax Partner Marcel Schwab transferred from our Eschborn/Frankfurt office in Germany to join EY Bulgaria Tax team on 1st April 2013. He will focus on Business Tax Advisory, inbound accounts and local clients.

With EY since 1990, Marcel became a partner in 2001. Over the years, he has developed an in-depth knowledge of industrial, logistic, trading and financial services companies, as well as the automotive and renewable energy industries. He was Head of Cleantech/Renewable Energy for the Frankfurt region.

He has extensive experience in creative tax structuring, company acquisitions and sales, succession arrangements, structuring and holistic advisory services, tax audits, exit taxation and residence relocation projects. Marcel’s portfolio includes national and international upper medium-sized companies, among them family-owned companies, as well as listed companies of all legal forms.

Marcel holds a master’s degree in Economics, and is a Certified Auditor and Tax Advisor.

Alexander Usunow born in Berlin, Germany in 1966 manages now complex projects for more than 15 years. Trained as an IPMA level A program manager Mr. Usunow supported many major players in telecommunications and automotive industry.

In 2008 he became the program manager for the BMW and Daimler program of Behr-Hella Thermocontrol GmbH and was responsible for developing and industrializing of climate control units and panels for the car families of the respective customers.

Behr-Hella Thermocontrol decided in 2011 to expand the business in Europe and appointed Mr. Usunow as project leader. He was responsible for the evaluation of locations in 8 European countries with a final decision for Bulgaria and is now building and setting up the new plant near Sofia.

Ms. Konstantinova has been managing Industrial Commerce, Ltd. (IND) since 2002. Prior to that, she held various positions with the company – Chief Operations Officer, Director Logistics and Sales Manager. IND is the authorized Distributor of Hyundai vehicles since 1998 and handles Sales, After-Sales, and Servicing operations in Bulgaria. Prior to that, the company was involved in the auto-distribution of the Chrysler make. Savina is currently handling the daily activities of the firm and, as such, is responsible for the strategic expansion of the company’s customer base, the suppliers’ negotiations, the dealings with finance institutions, and the public relations initiatives, among others.

Alongside her professional duties, Ms. Konstantinova is currently attending Harvard Business School - Executive Education OPM program. She holds a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of World and National Economy of Sofia.

Plamen Mitev has graduated economics of trade from the Karl Marx Higher Institute of Economics (now University of National and World Economy). He begins his professional career in SOMAT in 1984. In 1993 Mitev takes over the responsibility of finance and afterwards becomes General manager of the companies from the Balkan Star group.

Since July 2013 Plamen Mitev is General Representative in Bulgaria of the owner of the Betz Group by supervising and consulting the activities of the management of the companies and he is also engaged in the strategic business development.

Plamen Mitev is General manager of Management Services Corporation AD, Vienna Real Estate AD and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Allianz Leasing Bulgaria AD, part of Allianz Holding Bulgaria.

Thibaut de Vaureix joined IMI in July 2012, in the role of Director of Sales in Europe, in charge of Key Account Management and Business Development. In the past 15 years, he has worked successively in Philips Semiconductors (NXP) and Infineon, in various sales and marketing management positions, then he created his own venture in the electronic consumer goods dedicated to visually impaired people.

Thibaut de Vaureix earned an Engineering degree in micro-electronics in ESIEE Paris (Engineering School in Electronics) and an Executive MBA at INSEAD (France).

Born in Milano in 1966, Italian citizen, 1 child

Professional Experience

Since 5/2010 BMW Group Central & Southeastern Europe, Salzburg

President of holding based in Austria managing directly 12 Countries (Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, Malta and Croatia as of 1/7).

In first year gained segment leader position in car business. Initiated restructuring of dealer network, subsidiaries and holding.

6/2007-5/2010 BMW Group Italy, Milano
President. Hit all time sales record in first year. In the following years kept increasing segment share. Gained market leader position in motorbikes. Restructured dealer network.

1/2004-5/2007 FERRARI-MASERATI West Europe, Paris
Managing Director. Start up and management of the new subsidiary Ferrari and Maserati for importship in France, Benelux, Spain and Portugal; 2 branch offices in Bruxelles and Madrid. Direct management of 2 dealers in Paris and Lyon.

7/2000-12/2003 FERRARI Spa, Maranello
Sales & Aftersales Director. Sales and Aftersales management of GT cars worldwide.

(7/00-2/02) 11/98-7/2000 Sales Director. RENAULT SA, Paris
Brand Identity Director. Start up of a department for the management of the implementation of Renault’s new brand identity in the commercial division worldwide.

(11/98-6/99) 9/96-11/98 Executive Assistant to worldwide Strategy & Marketing Director. THE BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP, Milan
Consultant. Strategy, re-engineering and implementation projects in manufacturing, distribution and financial services. Missions in Italy. France, Germany.

9/94-9/96 MICHELIN ITALIA
Marketing Manager for the Michelin group’s brands (Michelin, Kleber, BFGoodrich, Riken) for passenger cars, off roads and light trucks.

10/93-9/94 Product Marketing for Michelin brand

5/93-10/93 Area Manager Como and Varese MICHELIN FRANCE

9/91-4/93 Area Manager Normany.

3/91-9/91 International training program at Michelin’s headquarter,
Clermont Ferrand.

Languages: Italian; French, fluent; English, fluent; Spanish, intermediate;
German: in progress

Education

1989-1990 HEC - Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales, Paris
C.E.M.S Master: Community of European Management Schools Master in international management

1985-1989 UNIVERSITA’ BOCCONI, Milan
International Economics degree with honours.

1988(sett-dic) STOCKHOLM SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS, Stockholm
“International Business Major”. Exchange program of Bocconi University.

1985 Liceo “N. Machiavelli”. Italian scientific high School Diploma

1984 US High School Diploma, Santa Barbara (Calif.)

Scolarships

Pirelli Società Progetto Bicocca S.p.A. (’90), Erasmus (’88), Honour Society (’84), California Scholarship Federation (’84), AFS International (’83)

Other Activities

Founding member and President of CEMS Master’s Alumni Association from ’93 to ’96. President Leo Club (’95-’96)

Sport: sailing, tennis, ski, waterski. Other interests: photo and piano

1964 – born in Ruse, Bulgaria

Education:
1989 Mechanical Engineering at Technical University Ruse, Bulgaria
1996 PhD at Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany in strength calculation of  planetary gears

Professional Career:
1996 – 2000    Development Engineer Planetary Gear Motors, ASD Antriebstechnik Duesseldorf, Germany
2000 – 2008    Development Engineer Car Weight Management / Energy Management, Porsche, Weissach, Germany
since 2009      Team Leader Energy Management Panamera, Porsche, Weissach
Responsible for driving performance and fuel consumption

EVIC is a private non-profit organization. Some of the members of EVIC are the Bulgarian Academy of Science, the largest technical universities in Bulgaria and companies from different branches related to the electric mobility. The main priorities of the cluster are cooperation between companies and organizations, related to the sector; development of new production facilities; R&D activities; cooperation with the municipal and state administration, development and proposal of national and municipal policies and practices, etc.

Mr. Levkov’s previous employment includes management of different companies in Bulgaria . He was Regional Manager of Speedy Corp. , Branch Manager of INVESTBANK AD, etc.

Ilia Levkov is also President of the Industrial Association – Petrich (2000-present) and a Member of the Board of the Regional Industrial Association – Blagoevgrad.

Mr. Levkov is has extensive experience in managing and executing EU projects. He was a regional coordinator on OPAC Project.

He is also Chairman of the Sectoral Advisory Board of the Electric Vehicles Sector – Project "Development of Workforce Competence Assessment System by Sectors and Regions" implemented by Bulgarian Industrial Association.

Mr. Levkov holds Master‘s degree in Industrial Management from The University of National and World Economy, Sofia. He has also specialized in corporate management in Yokohama, Japan.

Prof. Dr. Konstantin Kostadinov is head of the "Mechanics of Discrete Systems" department in the Institute of Mechanics - BAS. His research interests are in the field of robotics and automation application in production, micro and nanotechnology, biology and more. He has managed over 20 projects under the Framework Programmes of the European Union - FP4, FP6 and FP7 as well as CIP, INTERREG IIIc, DFG, operational programmes and the Research Fund.

Prof. Kostadinov has authored and co-authored more than 100 publications, including 10 books, 14 patents and patent applications.

He was awarded for outstanding achievements in engineering in 2010 with the ‘Pythagoras’ award for the development of robots and technology with micro and nano application. He is a senior member of the IEEE "Robotics and Automation" Society (since 1999).

Professor Kostadinov is Coordinator of the Advisory Council for Science, Technology and Innovations at Sofia Municipality.

Mr. Kostadinov provides advice and other services relating to research in SMEs, technology transfer and innovation as a national contact person for 7th Framework Programme of the EU, Member of the Programme Committee "SME and Access to Risk Finance" for Horizon 2020, PHARE and COST projects and TAIEX missions expert, member of the Evaluation Committee of the National Fund for Innovation, member of the Advisory Board of the high-tech incubator - Varna, founder of the innovation cluster "Mechatronics and Automation" (2006) and of the "GIS Transfer Center" (2000).

1947 Born in Cologne, German

1968 German High School (Deutsche Schule Athen, Doerpfeld-Gymnasium).

1969 to 1974 Studied Industrial Design at the Folkwang School of Design in Essen, Germany.

1974 to 1977 Postgraduate degree in the Experimental Environmental Design department, at the State University for Fine Arts in Braunschweig, Germany,

1977 Master Graduation.

1978 Start as a car designer with the Daimler-Benz Group in the Exterior Design Department

1981 to 1986 Team Leader of the Exterior Design unit

1986 to 1988 First assistant of Bruno Sacco, who was head of the Daimler Benz Design

1987 Setting up the first Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studio in Germany.

1988 to 1993 Manager of Advanced Design Studio Germany

1993 to 8/2007 Head of Mercedes Benz Advanced Design Studios, Sindelfingen (Germany), Los Angeles (USA), Tokyo (Japan) and Como (Italy).

2001 Integration of Corporate Design

1982 to 2007 Lectureship for Automotive Design in the Transportation Desig Department at the “Hochschule für Gestaltung” in Pforzheim – as a representative of DaimlerChrysler

1994 Cooperation with lecturers and students of the Industrial Desig Department at the Beijing Academy of Arts and Design (now Tsinghua University Beijing)

1999 Awarded as an Honorary Professor of the Beijing Academy of Arts and Design in Beijing

2002 Start of a close relation to the Hungarian Budapest University for Design in collaboration with Prof. Stefan Lengyel

2004 to 2005 Student Project “Maybach Excelero “with Transportation Design Pforzheim and Fulda Tire Company

May 2005 Speed Record of “Maybach Excelero “ in Nardo, Italy (351,45 km/h)

September 2005 “Maybach Excelero” Presentation on IAA (Internationale Automobilausstellung)

2004 Start of the collaboration with the Technical University Sofia, Bulgaria (Design Department )

2005 to 2007 Student Sponsor Project “Univers - Automobile Made in Bulgaria” with TU Sofia

2006 to 2007 Build up of one running prototype and two 1:1 See Through Models

May 2007 Final Presentation of Project “Univers - Automobile Made in Bulgaria” in Sliven

since 1982 Invitations to many congresses and workshops world-wide as a speaker for design themes in general and automotive design themes in special as well as jury member for design competitions

August 2007 Retirement from DaimlerChrysler after 30 years in the Design Department

September 2007 Start of “leschke design”and moving to Bulgaria (Freelance Designer and Daimler Senior Consultant)

Writer for Top Gear and Auto Motor und Sport (Bulgaria)

03/2008 to 05/2010 Hired as a General Manager by Grisha Gantchev (Litex) to prepare the strategy phase before production and build up the Litex Motor Company that started production of Great Wall brand cars in 2012 in Lovetch

since June 2010 Concentrating on University teaching and working as a consultant for design and car projects

10/2011-12/2011 Teaching at Shenzhen University

Born on 8 September 1958

Education:
1978-1982 – Master’s Degree in Political Economy, University of National and World Economy, Sofia
1983-1986 – PhD in Sociology, BAS
2013 – Associate Professor, Institute of Economic Studies – BAS
2013 – Visiting Professor in the Department of Finance, University of National and World Economy, Sofia

Professional career:
1982-1991 – researcher at the Institute of Social and Trade Union Studies
1992 – Director, Employment and Labour Market Directorate of the Ministry of Labour
1993-1994 – Director, Economic Programme – Centre for the Study of Democracy
1994-1995 – Advisor in the Council of Ministers
1995-1996 – Chairman of the Foreign Investment Agency
February-May 1997 – Minister of Trade and Economic Cooperation in the care-taker government
1997-1998 – Director, International Relations Directorate of the BNB
1998-2001 – Vice President of the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank
2001-2002 – Programme Manager at ELSA Directorate of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris
2003-2013 – Director, International Relations Directorate of the BNB
2013 – Associate Professor in the Institute of Economic Studies – BAS
She has participated in four research projects and six projects for technical assistance; has dozens of publications in specialized journals. She has taught in the University of National and World Economy, VUZF University and Plovdiv University.

She was appointed Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the economic policy of the Government by the 42nd National Assembly on 27 June 2013.