On June 5, 2025, the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria celebrated its 30th Anniversary at the National History Museum. The stylish gala entitled “United for the Future” welcomed 400+ members, incl. AmCham Bulgaria Executive Committee: Olivier Marquette, President; Stanislava Taneva, 1st Vice President; Borislav Dimitrov, 2nd Vice President; Tony McMurray, Treasurer; AmCham Board Members – Tommy Ver Elst, Omourtag Petkov, and Georgi Ganev, as well as Ivan Mihaylov, CEO and Hannah Kamenetski, Commercial Attache to the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, energy minister Zhecho Stankov, Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth Martin Danovsky, Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Doncho Barbalov, the Executive Director of InvestBulgaria Agency Mila Nenova, Rosen Plevneliev, President of Bulgaria (2012 – 2017) and former AmCham Treasurer, representatives of the bilateral chambers community, etc.
The main goal of the gala was to pay respect to the history and legacy of the chamber by acknowledging leaders and companies that have contributed to the success of the Chamber in these thirty years.
Addressing the audience Olivier Marquette, AmCham Bulgaria President (2019 – present), said:
“AmCham is the flag of the American businesses in Bulgaria. But beyond that, it is a platform for like-minded individuals and companies who aim high and live by our principles. We are trusted partners to the government, to our sister bilateral chambers, and stakeholders such as employer organizations, professional groups, and many others. I want to assure you that AmCham today stands as a beacon for sustainable business, a compass for the rule of law and democracy, and a pioneer of new ideas, reforms, and initiatives that support economic and social progress.”
Ivan Mihaylov took it forward:
“Dear Members – Happy 30th Anniversary! This milestone belongs to you — the people who shape and drive our Chamber forward. You are the ones who develop industries, build connections, and whose businesses strengthen the bilateral ties between Bulgaria and the United States. The very creation of AmCham Bulgaria was the American Dream made real – right here. It’s a moment to be proud of – and one that comes with great responsibility.”
Government Address: Partnership as a Civilizational Choice
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria, Rossen Zhelyazkov, Prime Minister, said:
“I want to thank the founders of AmCham, who back in 1994 created this platform for sharing value systems and for conducting business with integrity in a way that today allows us to recognize success in each and every one of you – successful businesses that are following the path of the American model. And that is, in fact, the model of the Western civilization.
I believe in the talent of the Bulgarian society. I believe in hard work. And I believe that in partnership with the United States – a partnership between the U.S. and Europe – we, as the Bulgarian people, as the Bulgarian businesses, and in partnership with the U.S., will reach as far as our dreams can take us to.
My wish is that over the next 30 years we will continue together with dignity.”
Acknowledging Leaders and Companies
The event offered gratitude to the AmCham Bulgaria presidents that served to achieve Chamber’s priorities and worked for the investment climate improvement in Bulgaria, were present at the gala. Penko Dinev (1997), Philip Bay (2000 – 2002), Kenneth Lefkowitz (2003 – 2005), Borislav Boyanov (2006 – 2008), Krassimira Chemishanska (2015-2018), and Olivier Marquette (2019 – present) received the AmCham BG 30th Anniversary tombstone and accepted the ovations from the guests.
Borislav Boyanov, said:
“Tonight is not just about looking back – it is about looking forward with hope and determination. The world has changed dramatically, and it will change even more. But one thing will remain constant: our Chamber’s dedication to partnership, progress, and principles. To the current and future leaders of AmCham Bulgaria, we – the past Presidents – pass you the torch with confidence; keep it burning bright.”
On behalf of the Presidents, Olivier Marquette handled acknowledgement to the Executive Directors that served to meet members’ expectations, navigate the Chamber in turbulent times, and that strived to achieve the Chamber’s priorities: Valentin Georgiev (2002 – 2016), Petar T. Ivanov (2017 – 2022), and Ivan Mihaylov (2022 – present).
Mr. Georgiev reflected on the Chamber’s evolution:
“There is no doubt that the event was great… and the reason is that behind it stands an institution.” He concluded: “The sky is the limit. You can do it.”
Honoring 30-Year Members
A special tribute was paid to the 22 companies that have been AmCham members for 30 years: AIMS Human Capital, American University in Bulgaria, BDO AFA, Coca-Cola Bulgaria, Colliers Bulgaria, Curtis / Balkan, Deloitte Bulgaria, DHL Express Bulgaria, Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov, Eli Lilly and Company, Honeywell, IBM Bulgaria, ING Bank Bulgaria, Lirex BG, Merck Sharp & Dohme Bulgaria, MOTO-PFOHE, PwC Bulgaria, Sofia Balkan Palace, TechnoLogica, TMF Services, and Westinghouse Bulgaria. Representatives of these companies shared personal reflections:
Leaders’ Testimonials
Krasimir Stanchev, Country Manager – Bulgaria, Honeywell said:
“It has been a journey of shared values, collaboration, and continuous support for the business community in Bulgaria. As Honeywell’s slogan says: “The future is what we make it.” So, let’s make it a bright business future – together.”
Ruslan Papazyan, GM European Operations, Curtis Instruments:
“At Curtis, we celebrated our own 35th anniversary in Bulgaria just recently, and over the years, AmCham has been more than an institutional partner; it has been a platform for connection, collaboration, and progress — and for that, we are deeply appreciative.
Atanas Furnadzhiev, General Manager, Moto Pfohe:
“I truly believe that AmCham Bulgaria has been both the creator and the guardian of business ethics in Bulgaria. It has set the standard and upheld it through challenging times.I would also like to thank all the committees that have been part of AmCham. Your efforts have not only supported the business community in Bulgaria but have also built strong bridges between Bulgaria and the United States!”
Sponsors of the 30th Anniversary are:
- Anniversary Sponsors: Asarel-Medet, Dundee Precious Metals Inc., Glavbolgarstroy Holding, Mastercard Europe, Philip Morris Bulgaria, The Coca-Cola Company
- Diamond Sponsors: Geotechmin, ING Bank N.V. – Sofia Branch, Vivacom & Nova, Westinghouse Electric Sweden AB – Branch Bulgaria
- Gold Sponsors: AES Bulgaria, America for Bulgaria Foundation, Anglo-American School of Sofia, AT Engineering 2000, Auto Bavaria Ltd., Herti, HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE operated by Selectium, Moto-Pfohe, Pfizer Luxembourg SARL Bulgaria Branch, Sensata Technologies Bulgaria, Telelink Infra Services, Top Hospital Service, KYASHIF.
- Silver Sponsors: Alpi Investment, BNP Paribas S.A. – Sofia Branch, FedEx Express Bulgaria, Honeywell, Interlogistics Holding Limited Sofia, Jacobs Douwe Egberts BG, KAI Group, Lindner Immobilien Management, Merck Sharp & Dohme Bulgaria, MetLife Europe Ltd. – Bulgaria Branch, Penkov, Markov & Partners, Procter & Gamble Bulgaria, SOF Connect AD, Titan Zlatna Panega, and Woodward Bulgaria.
