Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Work Availability
Personal Information
Hobbies and Interests
Affiliations
Personal Information
Hobbies and Interests
Veneta Pissarska – Behar

Veneta Pissarska – Behar

Sofia (Bulgaria)

Summary

International business leader with 25+ years of experience in strategic management, market development, and cross-cultural operations. Currently Country Manager at Lesaffre Bulgaria and board member of the regional board of directors of Lesaffre, as well as the French-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce for the past 10 years.

Proven track record in leading business transformation, building high-performing teams, and fostering strong public-private partnerships. Skilled in market analysis, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, with a deep understanding of both French and Bulgarian economic ecosystems.

Fluent in French, English, and Bulgarian, I combine operational execution with a collaborative, people-first leadership style. I’m passionate about creating sustainable growth, promoting bilateral cooperation, and representing French innovation with impact and purpose.

Overview

32
32
years of professional experience

Work History

Country Manager and Board Member

Lesaffre Bulgaria Ltd.
01.2014 - Current
  • Commerce and distribution of yeast, sourdough, leavens and fermentation goods for breadmaking
  • Yearly revenue: 8M EUR, 14 employees, company restructuring and business development project
  • Developed and executed strategic plans for market expansion, resulting in increased market share and brand visibility.
  • Evaluated competitive landscape and devised innovative strategies to outperform competitors in the marketplace.
  • Oversaw employee recruitment, training, and development initiatives to build a high-performance team capable of driving business growth.
  • Established key partnerships with external stakeholders, leading to mutually beneficial outcomes for all parties involved.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by working closely with legal advisors and government agencies.
  • Implemented process improvements, streamlining workflows and increasing team productivity.

From Executive Assistant to Project Manager

Lesaffre International
01.2002 - 01.2014
  • Internal evolution from assistant of the OCEA Region CEO to Project manager
  • Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
  • Fostered a culture of innovation and creativity within the project team, leading to improved problem-solving capabilities and enhanced outcomes.
  • Developed and implemented strategic project plans to meet business objectives.
  • Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.

Consultant

Potential Investors Interested in Bulgaria
01.1998 - 01.2000
  • Consulting experience focusing on introduction of potential French and Belgian investors to Bulgaria (construction, banking, production)
  • Evaluated client needs and expectations, establishing goals for each consulting engagement.
  • Liaised with customers, management, and sales team to better understand customer needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to successfully deliver comprehensive solutions for clients.

Export Coordinator

International Transport Companies
01.1994 - 01.1997
  • International transport and logistics – export coordinator for Belgian exports to Russia and Central Europe Area countries (Organization and coordination of deliveries, sales support, administrative work)
  • Established a strong rapport with customs officers and government agencies, fostering positive relationships that facilitated smooth export transactions.
  • Followed up with customers to resolve inquiries.
  • Collaborated closely with sales teams to establish strong relationships with key clients, driving repeat business for the company.
  • Participated in industry-related conferences and events to stay current on best practices and expand professional network within the field.

Education

Internal Corporate Education - Organizational Leadership

Institut Léon Lesaffre, Lille, FR
01.2023

MBA - Business Administration And Management

The Power MBA & Harvard Executive Online Courses, Online
01.2022

Some College (No Degree) - Communication And Leadership

Dale Carnegie Center, Sofia (BG), Sofia, BG

MBA - Business Management

EDHEC, Lille (FR), Lille, FR
01.2008

Bachelor of Science - Accounting And Business Management

University For National And International Economy, Sofia (BG), Sofia (BG)
01.1994

Harvard Online

Skills

  • Operations Management
  • Team Leadership
  • Performance Management and evaluations
  • Trend Analysis
  • Sales management
  • Strategic Planning
  • P&L management and Budget control
  • Market development

Languages

French - Bulgarian
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Dutch - Spanish
Elementary (A2)
Russian
Upper intermediate (B2)

Timeline

Country Manager and Board Member - Lesaffre Bulgaria Ltd.
01.2014 - Current
From Executive Assistant to Project Manager - Lesaffre International
01.2002 - 01.2014
Consultant - Potential Investors Interested in Bulgaria
01.1998 - 01.2000
Export Coordinator - International Transport Companies
01.1994 - 01.1997
Harvard Online - ,
Institut Léon Lesaffre - Internal Corporate Education , Organizational Leadership
The Power MBA & Harvard Executive Online Courses - MBA, Business Administration And Management
Dale Carnegie Center, Sofia (BG) - Some College (No Degree), Communication And Leadership
EDHEC, Lille (FR) - MBA, Business Management
University For National And International Economy, Sofia (BG) - Bachelor of Science, Accounting And Business Management

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Personal Information

  • Date of Birth: 10/03/72
  • Nationality: Belgian and Bulgarian
  • Married to Maxim Behar
  • One daughter, Delia-Victorine Neerman, 25 y.o.

Hobbies and Interests

  • Reading
  • Travelling
  • Cooking
  • Aerial yoga
  • Arts and music
  • Translator and writer

Affiliations

  • 2021, present, Chamber of Commerce and Industry France-Bulgaria, Member of the Management board, CSR, Soupe de Coeur event, Kids nutrition educational project launching
  • 2014, present, Active mentor in several programs, Ladies Forum, Mentor the Young
  • 2023, present, Marshall Goldsmith certification program, Leadership and team coaching
  • 2020, present, Sofia accueuil, French literature reading club "Apéro - Biblio"

Personal Information

  • Date of Birth: 10/03/72
  • Nationality: Belgian and Bulgarian
  • Married to Maxim Behar
  • One daughter, Delia-Victorine Neerman, 24 y.o.

Hobbies and Interests

  • Reading
  • Travelling
  • Cooking
  • Aerial yoga
  • Arts and music
  • Translator and writer

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Veneta Pissarska – Behar