DANIELA HRISTOVA
Bankya,Bulgaria
Summary
Senior legal, compliance, and governance leader with extensive experience in data protection (GDPR), regulatory compliance, operational risk, and corporate governance across highly regulated industries including banking, pharmaceuticals, and aviation. Proven track record in building governance frameworks, leading cross-functional teams, and translating complex regulatory requirements into practical, enforceable internal policies. Strong interest and hands-on experience in technology law, information systems, and emerging AI governance. Skilled in developing internal controls, assessing risks related to data, transparency, and system functionality, and supporting organizations in responsibly adopting advanced technologies.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work history
Head of Legal
SOF Connect (Sofia Airport)
2022.04 - Current
- Direct manager of the DPO. Implemented the GDPR compliance framework. Work with IT for process digitalization, provided legal and compliance support for the implementation of systems using AI. Developed third party risk management, personal data protection frameworks, started the development of the AI governance framework.
Head of Legal and Compliance
Phoenix Pharma
2020.04 - 2022.03
- Manager of the DPO. Worked with IT for process digitalization. Implemented business partner due diligence and the SaaS to support the function.
Corporate Secretary and DPO
Societe Generale Expressbank
2007.01 - 2020.03
- On this function I built and managed corporate governance, compliance, permanent control, operational risk, business-continuity and crisis management, personal data protection, insurance, legal and other functions. I was DPO of all companies from Societe Generale Expressbank Group from 2018-2020. Worked closely with IT for the development and implementation of products and GDPR compliance, with information security function for the business continuity and crises management set up.
Education
First English Language School
VarnaMaster of Law -
St. Kliment Ochridsky University
SofiaMaster of Corporate Business and Governance -
Economic University Varna
Organizational Phycology and Consulting -
Varna Free University Chernorizetz Hrabar
Skills
- Deep knowledge of GDPR, Information Technology Law and EU AI Governance Act
- Supporting innovation within ethical and regulatory compliance
- Building new functions and frameworks
- Building teams
- Efficiently co-working in multifunctional and multicultural teams
- Efficiently communicating with C-level, regulators and control bodies
- Document drafting precision
- Legal compliance understanding
LANGUAGES
English – proficient
French and Russian - advanced
Timeline
Head of Legal
SOF Connect (Sofia Airport)
2022.04 - Current
Head of Legal and Compliance
Phoenix Pharma
2020.04 - 2022.03
Corporate Secretary and DPO
Societe Generale Expressbank
2007.01 - 2020.03
First English Language School
Master of Law -
St. Kliment Ochridsky University
Master of Corporate Business and Governance -
Economic University Varna
Organizational Phycology and Consulting -
Varna Free University Chernorizetz Hrabar