Stela Ouzounova

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

Practice Membership

Global Industry Practices

• Healthcare & Life Sciences

Additional Expertise

• Human Resources
• Financial Services
• Banking & Capital Markets
• Energy
• Technology

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