New People and Culture Director at Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria: Maya Tsankova succeeds Nevyan Petrov

This change marks a key step in the company’s long-term strategy for talent development and retention

Maya Tsankova, previously People and Culture Manager – Corporate Centre within the Coca-Cola HBC Group structure, is stepping into the role of People and Culture Director at Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria. She will be responsible for managing human resources within the company in Bulgaria, with one of her main responsibilities being to support the development of over 1,000 employees and foster a positive and engaging working environment. Maya succeeds Nevyan Petrov, who will now lead the People and Culture function across a region encompassing seven business units operating in thirteen countries – Bulgaria, Romania, Greece and Cyprus, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia, Ukraine, Armenia, and Moldova.

“I am excited and grateful to take on the role of People and Culture Director at Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria. I believe that engagement, trust, and a focus on people development are key to sustainable success. Staying true to our values and our culture of growth, I will continue to stay close to our people and proudly join the strong team in Bulgaria, with whom we will together build an environment where everyone has the opportunity to unlock their potential, feel valued, and be inspired to give their best,” shared Maya Tsankova.

Maya Tsankova is a seasoned professional in the field of human resources and organizational development. She joined Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria in 2013 as HR Manager for the Commercial Function. Over the years, she has held key positions in the company, including Organizational Development Manager in Bulgaria, Employer Brand Communications Manager at the Group level, and since 2024, People and Culture Manager – Corporate Centre of Coca-Cola HBC. Her strong focus on culture, engagement, and authentic leadership is reflected in her strategic work with teams across various departments and countries, as well as in her achievements in building a strong employer brand that embodies the organization’s values and spirit.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be part of the development of our strong team in Bulgaria over the past years. I am proud of what we have achieved and of the culture we have built together, and I am confident that Maya will continue to build on this success. In my new role, I will focus on sharing and multiplying best practices from across the region and supporting the growth of proven talents at Coca-Cola HBC on an even higher level,” said Nevyan Petrov.

Nevyan Petrov, now appointed as Regional People and Culture Director, has been part of Coca-Cola HBC since 2008. In the past five years, he led the team that significantly contributed to building a strong culture of collaboration and belonging in Bulgaria, achieving record employee engagement levels and establishing the country as a source of talent for the entire Group. In 2024, under his leadership, Bulgaria was recognized as the top-performing country for talent development in Coca-Cola HBC among all 29 markets and received the prestigious Top Employer recognition, cementing its position as a leading example of an engaging work environment and strategic human capital development.

These new appointments reflect the company’s commitment to supporting the growth of its people and providing new career development opportunities within the Group. Through its consistent efforts and people-centric approach, Coca-Cola HBC reinforces its position as an employer of choice in Bulgaria, making sustainable investments in career growth and employee training.