Elena Drecheva was born in Gotse Delchev. Master’s programme Economics and Management of Tourism at St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia (2002-03), Bachelor’s programme Economic Management (1996-2000), International Relations (1996-98). She has passed successfully numerous trainings in marketing, project management, sales and work with corporate clients, etc.
In December 1998 she became technical assistant in Alfa Link OOD, in October 2000 – marketing manager, PR and logistics, and in April 2002 – deputy director and distributor of IT equipment. October 2003, executive director of Beta Link OOD. March 2004, Canon sales manager in Polycomp EOOD. Since March 1, 2005 she is manager of Konica Minolta – Bulgaria.
Fluent in English, Italian and German.

Ms. Drecheva, you were awarded the prize Youngest Woman Entrepreneur 2005 in the Business Lady of the Year competition and received the special award of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy. What does this mean to you?
This distinction brought me personal satisfaction and helped me look into the world of other women managers, from whom I am sure one can learn a lot.
For me the prize and the special award are the result of lots of work and dedication. I have been in the sphere of marketing and management for 8 years now. It’s true I put much zeal in my work, but it is because I draw great pleasure from it, and I sincerely believe this is the right way to achieve the goals.

The results achieved in the period when you have been running the branch of Konica Minolta are impressive. You boosted the sales and the company turnover has grown.
In the short time that the branch of Konica Minolta has been developing in Bulgaria, the headway is great indeed. A large part of the sales is copying machines – more than 1300. In 2005 the company sold over 1500 printers, its focus remaining the low and high class colour devices.

Results are achieved with hard work, professionalism and a good team. We had all three factors and the effect was bound to come. Apart from our efforts, behind our achievements stands the extensive company culture and traditions of Konica Minolta.

You have set it as your goal to make the Konica Minolta colour copying machines market-leaders in Bulgaria. How are you going to achieve this?
With diverse programs for the colour devices and flexible financial terms. Konica Minolta is No 1 in Europe with these devices and the product quality is guaranteed. This is a good reference for the Bulgarian market, too.

We strive to be always attractive with products and prices, and to provide quality after-sale servicing to our machines. To this end, our employees and those of our partner companies have passed many trainings and exams and are highly qualified specialists.

What are your long-term strategies for the development of the company in Bulgaria? What do you plan to develop as activities, projects, trainings?
Our long-term strategies are to keep our customers very happy, to have a solid professional partner network, a growing market share of the offered services and their evolvement. We will start other diverse programs, and continue the trainings. Last but not least, the opening of a Konica Minolta showroom. We also envisage programs for customers who have put trust in us and are successfully working with our products.

How do you apply the principle of corporative social responsibility in the management of the company?
By participating in various social activities and striving to be useful with our products. We also offer our financial support – we sponsored the 11th edition of the prestigious contest Queen of Beauty 2006, we were official sponsor of the Latin American Fantasy tournament, which is part of the international calendar of sport dancing Sofia Open 2006, among other public initiatives and events.

What needs to be changed in the business sphere in our country?
To attain greater ethics in the inter-company relations, and to alter the thinking of public servants. This would considerably improve the business climate.

How will the accession to EU affect your activity?
Positively. We expect administrative alleviations: no borders, facilitated import. The European spirit and the Union’s rules will be conducive to greater transparency in tenders and in the routine business. Successful will be the professionals and the companies meeting the European requirements.

You are a successful business lady. What would you advise the young and ambitious ones?
I would advise them not to give up their hopes and to strive boldly! To put in their heart in what they are doing, and never say die. There are abundant opportunities and only the seeking will find them. I am convinced the young people should stay in Bulgaria. Here they can achieve their goals and find fulfilment as successfully as abroad.