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Sasha Bezuhanova

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Sasha Bezuhanova
Born (1962-09-27) 27 September 1962 (age 61)
Pernik, Bulgaria
EducationTechnical University, Sofia
Graduate Institute in Geneva
Known forFounder of MOVE.BG
Internationally recognized business executive and philanthropist with a multi-dimensional track record of service to society

Sasha Bezuhanova (Bulgarian: Саша Безуханова) is a Bulgarian public figure – business leader, investor and philanthropist with 20-years executive business career in HP and a multi-dimensional track record of service to society.[1]

She is the founder and chairperson of MOVE.BG[2] – a non-partisan platform for collaboration in finding sustainable solutions for the state, economy, and society via innovation, participation, and co-creation. Sasha is the initiator of Green Restart Coalition[3] – a collaborative network for green innovation and policy agenda, EDIT.BG[4] – open network initiative for digital innovation, as also The ChangeMakers[5] – multidisciplinary community engagement initiative bridging digital, green, and art innovators.

During her business career, Bezuhanova had different roles. She was Director of Public Sector for the world Growth Markets at Hewlett-Packard. Previously she had managed the Central Eastern Europe Public sector business of the corporation. Before that Sasha was the General Manager of Hewlett-Packard Bulgaria for more than 10 years, positioning the company as the leader in the local ICT market[6] and driving important investment in the country where HP employs today more than 7000 people.[7]

Her long list of business achievements and social development engagements throughout the years involve positioning Bulgaria as an ICT center of global significance, boosting the entrepreneurial culture and women empowerment in her home country Bulgaria and at the European level.

Sasha is Chair of the Boards of WWF CEE[8] and Bulgarian Center of Women in Technologies,[9] co-founder and board member of the Digital Innovation Hub DigiTech 4.0[10] and Green Finance and Energy Center,[11] a European Climate Pact Ambassador,[12] and Advisor in GreenTech Alliance.[13]

She is a former member of Governing board of the European Institute for Innovation and Technology (EIT)[14] and an EIC Jury member.[15]

In 2013, she founded the yearly Entrepregirl Award[16] for supporting young women to develop their entrepreneurial ideas into business.

Sasha is a mentor and angel investor in a number of technological and sustainability startups as also LP in three VC funds.[17][18]

Bezuhanova is a regular public speaker on Bulgarian, European, and world forums on the topics of innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, women's leadership, and societal transformation in the digital era.[19][20]

Sasha Bezuhanova was named Digital woman of Europe for 2013[21] and one of the Top 100 Challengers in New Europe 100[22] for 2015 and holds many other national and European awards for her contribution to social development.

She is an Honorary Consul of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to Bulgaria.[23]

Sasha Bezuhanova holds an Executive Master’s Degree in International Negotiations and Policy Making from the Graduate Institute in Geneva,[24] a Master's Degree in Electronics from the Technical University of Sofia, and Executive qualifications from INSEAD, Stanford, and others.

Sasha is married with one daughter.

Early life and education

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Sasha Bezuhanova was born in Pernik, Bulgaria. She graduated German language high school in Sofia. Bezuhanova went on to study in Technical University in Sofia graduating with Masters in Electronics (1985). She also has an Executive master's degree in International Negotiations and Policy Making from the Graduate Institute in Geneva (2015) and has Executive qualifications from INSEAD and Stanford.

She attended special programs for studying the Irish economic model (Dublin, 2001), the structure of ICT sector in California (Palo Alto, 2002) and European Software Institute (Bilbao, 2003).

Aside from her native language Sasha Bezuhanova speaks English, German and Russian.

Career

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The professional career of Sasha Bezuhanova started in 1985 in the Central Institute for Computer Technologies where in 1986 she became Research Associate.

Shortly after the democratic changes in Bulgaria when the country opened up direct presence of international businesses she was invited by Germany's medical concern HELLIGE to head their Bulgarian operation. Under her leadership (1990 to 1994) the company played a key role in the modernization of the Bulgarian health infrastructure.

Her international business and operational management experience evolved further as General Manager for S&T Bulgaria,[25] the exclusive distributor of HP – a role she took over in 1995.

When HP decided to open up direct operation in Bulgaria in 1997 Bezuhanova was appointed as General Manager. Sasha Bezuhanova has managed Hewlett-Packard's business in Bulgaria for more than 10 years. In that period of time HP's Bulgarian team developed a series of IT infrastructure projects for the country's three biggest telecommunication companies, industrial manufacturers, and state and private finance institutions. Some of these projects have been implemented for the first time in Bulgaria and became reference solutions incorporated in the HP's portfolio. Among them was the implementation of electronic ID for Bulgarian citizens, which ended in August 1999 and was the key to Bulgaria's acceptance in the EU visa-free countries list in 2001.[26] Another flagship project, that enriched the HP's worldwide practice, was the implementation of the Real-time gross settlement system (RTGS) in Macedonia.[27]

Her most important accomplishment at the time was attracting an important investment of HP in Bulgaria where in 2006 started operation HP Global Delivery Centre.[28] Today it employs more than 5000 high-profile engineers and specialists. That strategic project placed the country on the world IT investment map.[29] As a result, Hewlett-Packard has become the largest IT employer in Bulgaria and the Top 5 in the country overall. Hewlett-Packard became also the largest investor and employer in the Bulgarian IT sector.[30]

Sasha Bezuhanova continued her career in HP on international level being appointed in 2008 as Public Sector Director for Central Eastern Europe. She manages the corporation’s government business in 27 countries including Russia, New Europe, Western Balkans, and Central Asia bringing in an important strategic dimension and a holistic approach to this market segment.

In 2012 Bezuhanova was appointed as Director of Public Sector and Education for HP Growth Markets – a region including 67 countries around the world. As part of her business development responsibilities, she coordinated the company's relations with the EU, WB, and UN.

In 2013 when it became very critical in Bulgaria and the country was shaken by protests against the oligarchic establishment figures, Sasha Bezuhanova decided to leave her career and devote herself to the cause of positive change in Bulgaria. She founded the non-partisan organization MOVE.BG – a platform for collaboration in finding sustainable solutions for the state, economy, and society via innovation, participation, and co-creation. MOVE.BG is affirming the culture of constructive dialog, participating leadership, democratic principles, and the European path of Bulgaria. Some of the programs are ‘Electoral reform’,[31] ‘Media pluralism’,[32] ‘Law and order in 5 steps’,[33] "You move Europe’,[34] ‘Solutions for Bulgaria: Digital’,[35] ‘Solution for Bulgaria: Economics’[36] and the online platform ‘My Bulgarian History‘.[37] In 2016, upon the initiative of Sasha Bezuhanova MOVE.BG together with key organizations, hubs, and companies developing digital knowledge and innovative business in Bulgaria, founded EDIT.BG (Economic Development via Innovation and Technologies)[38] – an open network for digital development and innovation in Bulgaria. In 2018, Sasha inspired the foundation of the platform for collaboration and Changemakers,[39] bringing together trendsetters with different professional backgrounds for exchange and joint action. In 2020, Bezuhanova initiated the establishment of the Green Restart Coalition bringing unprecedentedly together digital innovation and sustainability experts, scientists, and green activists for defining and driving a holistic green transformation agenda for Bulgaria.[40] Some of the projects of the Coalition realized under the management of MOVE.BG are publishing the first "Textbook on the Future History of Bulgaria",[41][42] the creation of the first metaverse-based ministry - the Ministry of Climate Transition and Green Transformation,[43][44][45] publishing "Mission Green Bulgaria" - a report with more than 150 recommendations for supporting the sustainable development,[46] and "Mission Energy Transition" - a report with over 150 recommendations in support of Bulgaria's energy transformation,[47] publishing five opinion papers for improving the Bulgarian National Recovery and Resilience Plan under the Next Generation EU.[48]

Public contribution

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Alongside with MOVE.BG over the years Sasha Bezuhanova is actively engaged in the economic and social development of Bulgaria. She is part of many organizations and initiatives which work for positioning Bulgaria as an ICT center of global significance, for boosting the entrepreneurial culture and women empowerment in her home country Bulgaria and at the European level.

As a President of the Bulgarian International Business Association (BIBA) (2002-2006), in 2003, she initiates the development of the National ICT Competitiveness Strategy[49] - a program that became a basis for a series of initiatives in the ICT sector in Bulgaria. She works actively for attracting foreign investments in the sector as also on the policy recommendation level in her capacity as chairperson of the Bulgarian ICT Cluster[50] (2005 – 2006), founding Chairperson and a member of the Consultancy Committee of the Confederation of Industrialists and Employers in Bulgaria[51] (CEIBG) (2007 - 2010), and member of the consultative body to Ministry of Economy for 3S strategy of Bulgaria (2011–2013).

As a chairperson of the board of Junior Achievement Bulgaria (1999 – 2014), Sasha Bezuhanova worked for developing entrepreneurial and leadership skills among young people. She contributes actively to another cause - the increase of women's leadership and professional participation in the ICT sector and science. She is a co-founder and chairperson of the Advisory Council of the European Centre of Women in Technology[52] (ECWT) (2008 – 2019). In 2012, upon her initiative was founded the Bulgarian Centre of Women in Technology[53] (BCWT) for fulfilling this mission in Bulgaria. In 2013, she founded the yearly Entrepregirl Award [54] for supporting young women to develop their entrepreneurial ideas into business.

Sasha is involved in numerous initiatives supporting the green transformation agenda. Key of them are Chairperson of WWF CEE,[55] initiator of Green Restart Coalition,[3] co-founder of Green Finance and Energy Center,[11] European Climate Pact,[12] and Advisor in GreenTech Alliance.[13]

She is a serial angel investor in technological and sustainability startups and a mentor of numerous innovative companies.[18]

Sasha is an active member in a number of Pan-European initiatives. Among them – European Climate Ambassador,[12] the advisory board of the European Center of Women in Technologies, a member of Rising Tide Europe,[56] and CEE Women in VC. She was the organizer of the Bulgarian stop of R&I tour d’Europe and was the local leader at ESIL initiative for empowering early-stage investors in Europe.[57]

She is also a co-founder and board member of the Initiative for Social Empowerment[58] – organization that aims to enable vulnerable groups of women and youth in Europe.

Membership on boards

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  • Chair of the Board of WWF CEE (2019–present)
  • Co-founder and chair of the Bulgarian Centre of Women in Technology (BCWT) (2012–present)
  • Member of Governing Board of European Institute for Innovation and Technology (2018–2020)
  • Co-founder and board member of the Green Finance and Energy Center (2021–present)
  • Co-founder and board member of digital innovation hub DigiTech 4.0 (2017–present)
  • Board member at Evrotrust Technology (2015–present)
  • Board member at Cupffee (2019–present)
  • Founding chair and currently board member of the Bulgarian ICT Cluster (2005–present)
  • Member of the Honorary board of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award (2014–present)
  • Co-founder and board member of the Initiative for Social Empowerment (ISE) (2015–2018)
  • Member of the board of "Bulgarian Charities Aid Foundation" BCAUSE (2011–2022)
  • Chair of the High-level Advisory Council of the European Centre of Women in Technology (ECWT) (2008–2019)
  • Chair of the board of Junior Achievement Bulgaria (1999–2014)
  • Chair of the Trustee board of Technical University, Sofia (2009–2017)
  • Member of the board of the American University (2005-2009)
  • Member of the Advisory board to the Minister of Education (2009–2010)
  • Member of the board of Open Society Foundation (2004–2010)
  • Member of the Management board of Sirma Group (2015–2020)
  • Chair and vice-chair of the Confederation of Employers and Industrials in Bulgaria (CEIBG) (2007–2010)
  • President of the Bulgarian International Business Association (BIBA) (2002–2006)

Awards and achievements

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For her achievements and contribution to the public development Sasha Bezuhanova has won many prestigious awards and honours:

  • New Europe 100 Challenger for 2015 [59]
  • Digital Woman of Europe 2013 Award [60]
  • #4 Most Influential Woman in Bulgaria (Top 100) for 2011.
  • International award for women leaders "LeaderShe" in 2010
  • JA-YE (Junior Achievement-Young Enterprise Europe) "Leadership Award" for 2009
  • Business Face of Bulgaria Award for 2006, Financial Times
  • HP Worldwide Winners club (2006)
  • The Highest Reputation and Achievement in the Area of Corporate Management in Bulgaria (2003)
  • IT Manager of the year Award (2002; 2001; 1996), IDG Bulgaria
  • Business lady of the decade (1991–1999), IDG Bulgaria [30]
  • Hewlett-Packard European Achievers Club (1999)
  • Best Young Manager in Bulgaria (1997), Evrika foundation
  • Best Sales Manager for East Central Europe (1993), HELLIGE
  • In 2009, Sasha Bezuhanova was awarded "Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity" - one of the highest orders in Italy, for her exclusive contribution to the development of bilateral economic relations between Bulgaria and Italy.[61]
  • In 2021, Sasha Bezuhanova was awarded the Knighthood of the Order of the Oak Crown for her outstanding services as Honorary Consul of Luxemburg in Bulgaria and her promotion of women in IT as well as of the sustainable green agenda.[62]

Consul

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Sasha Bezuhanova is the Honorary Consul of Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for Bulgaria.

Sources

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  1. ^ Tzaneva, Nina (2021-07-21). "Саша Безуханова или да си филантроп в ХХI век" [Sasha Bezuhanova or being a philanthropist in the XXI century]. Bulgarian National Radio (in Bulgarian). Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  2. ^ "MOVE.BG - a platform for value creators in Bulgaria".
  3. ^ a b "MOVE.BG Initiates Green Restart Coalition: Learn more about the Coalition's Activities". move.bg. 2022-07-19. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  4. ^ "EDIT.BG - Economic Development via Innovation & Technology". EDIT. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  5. ^ "The ChangeMakers of Bulgaria - a project by Move.bg". changemakers.move.bg. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  6. ^ "BG 161PO003-4.1.01-0001-C0001" (PDF).
  7. ^ Velichkova, Elenka (2019-09-17). "Работодателят с най-много служители в ИТ индустрията у нас ще удвои екипа си" [The employer with the most employees in the IT industry will double its team]. Newspaper Banker. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  8. ^ "New WWF-CEE Advisory Board Established". WWF CEE. 2019-04-19. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  9. ^ "Bulgarian Center of Women in Technologies".
  10. ^ "Our Team". Digital Innovation Hub. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  11. ^ a b "Participants". Green Finance and Energy Centre. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  12. ^ a b c "European Climate Pact Ambassadors I Sasha Bezuhanova". European Commission. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  13. ^ a b "Our Advisors". Greentech Alliance. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  14. ^ "EIT welcomes three new Governing Board members". European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT). 2018-11-09. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  15. ^ "EIC Jury Members". European Innovation Council. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  16. ^ "Entrepregirl".
  17. ^ Wirth, Aleksandra. "Top 25 Women From VC and Startup Ecosystem - Bulgaria". Vestbee. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  18. ^ a b Ivanova, Elena (2021-09-30). "30+ angel investors in Southeast Europe you should know". TheRecursive.com. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  19. ^ ""Accelerate Green" - Policies and practices to stimulate green investments in the economy and business" (PDF). Green Finance and Energy Centre.
  20. ^ "Steering group". Digi Edu Hack (in Galician). Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  21. ^ "Digital Women of Europe 2013". European Commission - European Commission. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  22. ^ "New Europe 100".
  23. ^ "MFA :: Important Information before a trip". Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  24. ^ "International Negotiation and Policy-Making | IHEID". Geneva Graduate Institute. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  25. ^ "S&T".
  26. ^ "Visa requirements for nationals of Non-EU Member Countries".
  27. ^ Finextra (2001-01-22). "Macedonia moves to RTGS with HP". Finextra Research. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
  28. ^ "HP GLOBAL DELIVERY CENTER BULGARIA EOOD".
  29. ^ "Sasha Bezuhanova, HP CEE Public Sector Director: Bulgaria Best European Site for Near-Shore Services - Novinite.com - Sofia News Agency". Retrieved 2016-12-07.
  30. ^ a b "Forum - Novinite.com - Sofia News Agency". www.novinite.com. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
  31. ^ "Electoral reform".
  32. ^ "Media pluralism".
  33. ^ "Law and order - Justice in five steps".
  34. ^ "You move Europe".
  35. ^ "Solutions for Bulgaria: Digital".
  36. ^ "Solutions for Bulgaria: Economics".
  37. ^ "Моята българска история". myhistory.bg. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
  38. ^ "EDIT.BG - Economic Development via Innovation & Technology". EDIT. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
  39. ^ "MOVE.BG Connects Inspiring Innovators via Changemakers Platform". move.bg. 2019-02-21. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  40. ^ "MOVE.BG-initiated Green Restart Coalition Marks One Year in Support of Sustainable and Innovative Development of Bulgaria". move.bg. 2021-07-21. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  41. ^ "MOVE.BG and Partners Publish Bulgaria's Future History Textbook". move.bg. 2021-04-16. Archived from the original on 2022-08-30. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  42. ^ Kostadinova, Roberta (2021-07-20). "Stories that Shape Tomorrow: Textbook on the Future History of Bulgaria". Trending Topics. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  43. ^ Ivanova, Elena (2022-04-06). "The first ministry in the metaverse is a reality in Bulgaria". TheRecursive.com. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  44. ^ "The First Ministry in the Metaverse Opens in Bulgaria to help Bulgaria's green transformation". move.bg. 2022-04-05. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  45. ^ "This ministry has no address". Metaministry. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  46. ^ "MOVE.BG Publishes Mission Green Bulgaria Report with 150 Ideas for Sustainable Development". move.bg. 2022-07-19. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  47. ^ "Report Mission Energy Transition". 2023-04-06. Retrieved 2023-06-16.
  48. ^ "MOVE.BG and Partners Demand Revision of National Recovery and Resilience Plan". move.bg. 2021-01-15. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  49. ^ Origination of an ICT National Strategy: A Joint Public - Private Endeavour to Foster the Bulgarian ICT Sector, retrieved 2016-12-07
  50. ^ "ICT Cluster Bulgaria".
  51. ^ "Confederation of Industrialists and Employers in Bulgaria".
  52. ^ "European Centre of Women in Technology".
  53. ^ "BCWT". Archived from the original on 2014-01-23.
  54. ^ "Home". www.entrepregirlbg.com. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
  55. ^ "WWF Central and Eastern Europe Board". WWF CEE. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  56. ^ "Rising Tide Europe About". Rising Tide Europe. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  57. ^ "ESIL Angel: Sasha Bezuhanova". Early-Stage Investing Launchpad (ESIL). Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  58. ^ "Home". www.socialempowerment.org. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
  59. ^ "ne100". ne100.org. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
  60. ^ "European Commission - PRESS RELEASES - Press release - Digital Woman, Girls of the Year named at ICT 2013". europa.eu. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
  61. ^ "САША БЕЗУХАНОВА БЕШЕ УДОСТОЕНА С ОРДЕНА НА ЗВЕЗДАТА НА ИТАЛИАНСКАТА СОЛИДАРНОСТ" [SASHA BEZUHANOVA AWARDED WITH THE ORDER OF THE STAR OF ITALIAN SOLIDARITY] (PDF). newteck.bg (in Bulgarian). p. 11. Retrieved 2022-08-31.
  62. ^ Luxembourg Embassy in the Czech Republic (2022-10-15). "Mrs Sasha Bezuhanova was awarded the knighthood of the Order of the Oak Crown". Twitter. Retrieved 2023-06-14.
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