Fernando Palmero, an experienced manager in manufacturing with a solid background across various industries, has been appointed CEO of Schneider Electric’s Smart Factory near Plovdiv, effective May 1, 2025. After two and a half years in this role, current CEO Martin Yordanov will transition to an international position, where he will focus on cost optimization in final product realization across the cluster, with the aim of improving the competitiveness of its offerings.

Fernando Palmero has been part of Schneider Electric for eight years. Most recently, he was responsible for the Methods and Maintenance department at the company’s site in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary. He is already familiar with the team in Bulgaria, having spent over a month at the Plovdiv factory as a trainer in a local supplier development project. Mr. Palmero has proven expertise in the application of lean methodology, which is at the core of Schneider Electric’s production culture. His priorities will include maintaining and building upon the factory’s strong culture of excellence, while leading upcoming dynamic developments such as the opening of a second facility, the integration of new machines, and the continuous advancement of digitalization.

“One of the things I value most at Schneider Electric is the opportunity to work in different locations and with varied scopes of responsibility. Today, a manager’s origin matters less – what matters most is having the right expertise. The Smart Factory is developing at a fast pace, and I’m very happy that even in my new role, I will remain connected with the team here,” said Martin Yordanov, outgoing factory CEO.

“I am honored to take on the leadership of the factory and see great potential for it to become a strategic center for the industry. The commitment to efficiency and improvement shown by the local ecosystem, built by my colleagues in Plovdiv, is truly promising and reflects the spirit we aim to foster in Schneider Electric’s global manufacturing operations,” added Fernando Palmero.