After several successful years as chief operating officer for BILLA Slovakia, Albena Georgieva was proud to return to her native country to take up the top role as chief executive of BILLA Bulgaria, she tells Rose Costello. Shops stay open at this busy time – except for BILLA Bulgaria. Starting OutGeorgieva began her BILLA Bulgaria career in 2009 as head of purchasing for fresh produce. Fresh out of college in the 1990s, she ran her own business of several small retail stores. “Returning to Bulgaria for the CEO role feels truly rewarding and meaningful for me, both personally and professionally,” she says.