site.btaIrena Mladenova: Minister of Innovation and Growth

Irena Mladenova has been nominated as caretaker Minister of Innovation and Growth in the Gurov draft cabinet.

Mladenova is an assistant professor in the Department of Business Administration at the Faculty of Economics, St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia, according to the University’s website.

Earned her doctoral degree with a dissertation titled "Organizational Capacity for Change, Adaptability, and Organizational Performance" at Sofia University's Faculty of Economics. Holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Management from the same faculty, as well as a joint Master's degree in Banking and Entrepreneurship from the University of Udine, Fondazione Cassamarca, and the Unicredit Group (Italy).

Has over 20 years of experience in the private and public sectors, including six years of leading international consulting firms such as Kearney and PwC. Consulted on projects for major companies in light industry, retail, finance, and the public sector across Central and Eastern Europe. She has led projects on process structuring and restructuring, supply cost optimization, product portfolio analysis and optimization, evaluation and planning of new products and market entry.

Participated in business potential assessments for acquisitions, representing both sellers and buyers. Served as head of corporate development and member of the group-level management team in a regional energy services company.

Five years of experience in the public sector, including as advisor at the Ministry of Economy and the Administration of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, and as caretaker deputy minister of economy in 2013, 2014, and 2021.