Alex Her is a global employer brand storyteller, currently residing in Austin, TX, and enjoys all things related to employer branding, recruitment marketing, and candidate experience. Outside of work, he's also a co-founder of The EB Space, does public speaking, and provides mentoring advice to fellow practitioners.
When he's not working, he enjoys traveling, being with family, music, movies, karaoke, podcasts, and mentoring others.

Alexander Hristov, PhD, is Managing Partner at PR agency Paragraph 42 and a lecturer in Marketing and Communications at the University of National and World Economy and the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication at Sofia University. The agency represents Ketchum in Bulgaria, it is a part of The Smarts group, and has developed and implemented numerous strategic campaigns for companies and organizations. In 2022 – 2024 Alexander occupied the position of President of the Bulgarian PR Association (BAPRA), as well as of the Center for Analysis and Crisis Communications.
He is the author of five books and more than 80 publications in Bulgarian and foreign outlets, and has led a variety of courses and training programs in PR. He firmly believes that communications can be a driver of major positive change in both business and society.

Anna Velikova is the Head of PR & Communications for H&M, Region East Europe, leading strategic communication across 21 countries. With over 20 years of experience in PR, corporate communications, marketing tactics, CSR & sustainability, and crisis management, she has a proven track record in driving brand growth, protecting reputation, and delivering customer-centric campaigns. Anna’s expertise spans internal communication, employer branding, and inclusive communication practices, aligning people and purpose across diverse markets. She has held senior roles at Heineken Zagorka Brewery and United Partners Agency, working across sectors from FMCG to public affairs.
Over the past few years, she has enriched her career through international experience in South Africa and Greece, and has been based in Poland with her family since 2022 – bringing a truly global perspective to her work.
Known for her resilient, people-focused leadership, Anna is passionate about building communication strategies that connect, inspire, and create lasting impact – both inside and outside the organization.

Bilyana Drazheva has been part of the A1 team since 2002. She began her career in Customer Service and, in 2007, joined Corporate Communications. Since 2008, she has been leading the company’s Internal Communications. Over the years, her team has been positioned within both Corporate Communications and Human Resources—an experience that has provided her with valuable knowledge, diverse skills, and a broad perspective.
As Internal Communications Manager, Bilyana is responsible for the strategic planning and overall implementation of A1’s internal communication policy. She manages and coordinates key channels, creates content, and organizes campaigns that foster effective dialogue and employee engagement across the company.
Bilyana is also involved in employer branding initiatives and CSR projects. Her experience includes organizing a wide range of internal initiatives and events—from regular business meetings and strategic forums to festive campaigns and large-scale teambuilding events.
She holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of National and World Economy (UNWE), as well as certificates in Internal Communications from CIPR and in Digital Strategy from CIM. She has also completed a management training program at City College (University of Sheffield International Faculty) as part of A1’s talent development program.

Over the course of her career at Publicis Groupe, Veronika Borbas is known for her transformative two-decade career in talent management across local, regional, and international platforms.
With a career rooted in Budapest, Veronika began her professional journey at Leo Burnett, evolving from managing human resources to steering talent strategies across Central & Eastern Europe. She was part of a core leadership team that implemented Publicis Groupe's „Power of One“ framework, globally to 50+ markets, integrating diverse cultural dynamics with operational efficiency.
Driven by a belief in nurturing individual potential and fostering organizational growth, Veronika's passion for talent development is centered around a people-first philosophy, inspired by Maya Angelou’s wisdom on the enduring influence of human connection. Veronika not only builds strategies but also relationships, crafting work environments where creativity and innovation flourish.
In her current role, Veronika leads the talent function for Publicis Groupe in Central & Eastern Europe, focusing on the development and execution of strategies designed to boost talent engagement and experiences. She strives to create the most conducive environments for talent to thrive while expertly navigating the complexities of this diverse region.
Under her leadership, initiatives like the ChangeMakers program—a region-wide cross-mentorship endeavor—have been launched to address the unique nuances of the CEE area, complementing global mentorship efforts. Additionally, she has led the CEE rollout of Publicis Groupe’s global engagement initiatives such as Marcel Cafe, enhancing employee connectivity and community.

Vladimir Borachev is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). He works with leaders at different levels, supporting their growth through coaching, mentoring, and tailored leadership development programs.
He has extensive executive experience, having held 11 leadership roles at Xerox and Avon across Central and Eastern Europe, Egypt, and Turkey. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the American University in Bulgaria (AUB) and an MBA from IESE Business School in Spain.
Vladimir has been a visiting lecturer in AUB’s Executive MBA program (2010–2017; 2021–present). He is the author and facilitator of the annual leadership development program “Leadership Journey with Vladimir Borachev” (2018–present). He is also the author of the book for self-awareness and people management, “Leadership Journey.”

Debora Apostolova is Employer Branding & Communications Manager at Bosch Digital Bulgaria. She is responsible for the company’s employer brand and communications strategy. She has worked for some of the largest IT and outsourcing companies in Bulgaria, having started her career as a PR expert in the telecommunications sector more than 13 years ago.
Debora has extensive experience in communications, employer branding, media relations, corporate social responsibility, reputation management, event management, etc. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Sofia University and a Master’s degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy (UNWE).

Jacklin Tzocheva is Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director and a member of the Leadership Team at Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria. She is a member of the Management Board of “Council of Women in Business in Bulgaria”. Jacklin joined Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria in 2018. She has more than 20 years of experience in corporate and internal communications, regulatory affairs, and corporate social responsibility across international companies and organizations in different sectors such as media, education, FMCG, and human rights organizations.
Jacklin holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Public Relations from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski.” She has also completed a number of international training programs focused on media trends and brand building, ESG, strategic advocacy, shifting public attitudes, and others.

Iva Grigorova has 17 years of experience in PR communications, strategic consulting, corporate and brand PR, crisis and reputation management, cause-related and influencer marketing campaigns, and digital PR. She has been part of Publicis Groupe Bulgaria since 2018, when she took over the leadership of PR agency MSL Sofia, driving the agency’s business growth and team development. In her work, Iva applies innovative solutions that advance the industry, such as the PR measurement software PR Brand Acceleration.
Over the years, she has worked with companies in retail, telecommunications, technology and IT, banking, cosmetics and fashion, pharmaceuticals, and the institutional sector, both in Bulgaria and internationally. She has served as a jury member for numerous prestigious competitions, including the AMEC Awards Global Communication Effectiveness 2025, Lisbon Advertising Festival 2024 (PR category), ICCO Global Awards 2024 & 2025, SABRE EMEA Awards 2024, Young Changemakers 2023 by Provoke Media, Dubai Lynx 2021 (PR category), Young Lions 2019 – PR Bulgaria.

Katerina Shopova is HR Director of Lidl Bulgaria and a member of the company's Management Board. She has almost 20 years of experience and expertise in the field of human resources, gained in companies operating in different sectors.
Katerina Shopova has been working at Lidl for more than 7 years now. In the context of the company's expansion, she has the opportunity to head a complex HR function that includes various units with a common mission - creating an environment for full development of the employees’ potential and setting the highest standard in the HR practice.

Loza Borisova is Head of the “Organizational Development and Capacity Building” department at METRO Bulgaria. She holds master’s degrees in Psychology and Marketing and has more than 15 years of experience in human resources. Her career spans a wide range of areas—from recruitment and performance management to training, talent development, and employee engagement. Today, Loza leads initiatives focused on learning and development, employee engagement surveys, and building a strong employer brand that reflects METRO’s values and vision.

Lyubomir Alamanov has been working in the field of communications for more than 30 years. Over this time, he has led projects for Coca-Cola, Microsoft, HP, Vivacom, Telenor, Billa, Lidl, Beiersdorf, Heineken, Henkel, Nestlé, Siemens, and many others. The projects and campaigns, he has contributed to, have earned over 100 Bulgarian and international awards.
In 2016, he was recognized as one of the most influential communication experts in Community Relations, and in 2017 the renowned global media PR News named him among its annual chart “50 Game-Changers of PR,” honoring innovative professionals who have made a significant impact on the industry. In 2018, The Holmes Report included him in its prestigious “Innovator 25 EMEA” list.
International Communications Consultancy Organization (ICCO), the world’s largest body of PR agencies and national associations, nominated him seven years in a row (2018–2024) as Global PR Leader in its Global Awards. PR News also shortlisted him for CEO of the Year in 2019 and included him in its “PR People of the Year” list in 2020. In 2021, he won PR Professional of the Year and was nominated for PR Team Leader of the Year at the Platinum PR Awards. In 2023, he was named Global Game Changer. His agency, Sitemedia Consultancy, has been recognized as Global Agency of the Year at several international forums.
Lyubomir Alamanov is one of the founders and the first Chair of the Bulgarian PR Association (BAPRA) and currently serves as Chair of its Ethics Committee. He is also a co-founder of the Center for Analysis and Crisis Communications and lectures in Crisis Management at New Bulgarian University.

Susanna Rantanen is the world’s leading expert, innovator, and thought leader in story-driven employer branding. She is the creator of the Magnetic Employer Branding Method™, a revolutionary framework transforming employer branding from HR or marketing campaigns into a leadership discipline and competitive business strategy. As the founder of Finland’s first employer branding agency, Employer Branding Agency Emine, Susanna has pioneered the modernisation of employer branding across Europe and beyond—helping leaders turn company culture into a strategic asset and competitive advantage. She is also the author of the international book Story-Driven Employer Branding: Introducing The Magnetic Employer Branding Method™. In her book, she introduces a groundbreaking methodology that empowers leaders, HR professionals, and marketers to align culture with business goals, build trust and loyalty, and prove the ROI of employer branding. In addition to her book, Susanna is the host of the Story-Driven Business Podcast and an international keynote speaker. Her voice is known for blending empathy, clarity, and bold insights—guiding executives, HR, and marketers to embrace storytelling as a tool for influence, alignment, and long-term talent success. Recognised by international publications such as New York Weekly Magazine, HR Tech Outlook, and Women’s Herald, Susanna is frequently cited as a global forerunner shaping the future of employer branding. With nearly two decades of expertise, she continues to inspire organisations worldwide to match minds with mission through story-driven leadership and communication.

Ted is a leading Social Marketing Strategist, Speaker, Author, Strategic Marketing Advisor and Connector… and is all about Straight Talk.
In March 2009 he started using and evangelizing the term ROR, Return on Relationship, hashtag #RonR, a concept he believes is the cornerstone for building an engaged multi-million member database and engaged community, many of whom are vocal advocates for the brand.
Many people in the social media world know Ted for his enthusiastic, energetic & undeniably personal connection to people. He has been listed as #13 on Forbes Top 50 Social Media Power Influencers, and number #2 on the Leadtail list of Top 25 People Most Mentioned by digital marketers… and most recently to the leadersHum Global Power list of the Top 200 Biggest Voices In Leadership. Return on Relationship, ROR, #RonR is the basis of his philosophy… It’s All About Relationships!
His books: Return on Relationship 2013, How to Look People in the Eye Digitally 2015, The Age of Influence 2017, and Retail Relevancy 2022 (soon to be updated).