SGAC welcomes a new Business Development Officer

After a very thorough selection process, the Selection Committee, composed of SGAC Co-Chairs, Acting Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, has chosen Ivo Petkov to become the Business Development Officer (BDO) of SGAC.

A total of 20 candidates (9 male and 11 female) from 14 different countries applied for the position. The selection process entailed several phases with detailed evaluations and analysis by the Selection Committee members, which resulted in the final candidate’s selection by consensus.   

We warmly welcome Ivo to the team!

About Ivo Petkov

Ivo Petkov, a seasoned professional in business development, investor relations, and sales, brings a unique blend of skills to the dynamic space sector. As a skilled Business Development Representative, he excelled in prospecting and qualifying customers, employing targeted advertising strategies that significantly increased conversion rates. Ivo played a pivotal role in creating effective lead-generation processes through different platforms.

In his role as an Investor Relations Assistant, Ivo contributed to the preparation of investor relations programs, managing the team’s daily workflow. His commitment to market insights and planning investor roadshows maintained strong relationships with stakeholders. Ivo’s insightful market analysis and meticulous preparation elevated the effectiveness of investor relations initiatives. With prior experience as an SDR, Ivo showcased strategic acumen by managing a robust sales pipeline, generating substantial sales, and analysing supply chains.

Ivo holds a Master’s in Marketing (Summa Cum Laude) and a Bachelor’s in Management. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is known for his proactive approach to building and maintaining relationships. In the rapidly evolving space industry, Ivo Petkov stands as a forward-thinking professional, contributing significantly to the advancement of space exploration.

“I am thrilled to embark on this exciting journey as the Business Development Officer at SGAC. Joining a dynamic team known for its commitment to innovation and diversity is a privilege. Coming from a strong background in Business Development and Sales, I bring a unique perspective to this role. My experience in navigating multinational environments has honed my ability to foster meaningful connections and drive strategic partnerships. I am passionate about leveraging my skills to contribute to the growth and success of SGAC. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, I look forward to collaborating with the talented individuals within the organisation, working together to explore new avenues for development and expansion. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this vibrant community and am eager to make a positive impact on our collective journey. Let’s embark on this exciting adventure together and elevate SGAC to new heights!”

Ivo Petkov, SGAC Business Development Officer

“I am delighted to welcome Ivo to the SGAC team. His addition will help SGAC further strengthen its footprint in emerging space nations and enable us to impact the lives of students and young professionals interested in space in all parts of the world at levels which we were not able to do so before. I look forward to working with him and to seeing what SGAC will achieve in the coming years.”

Hamza Hameed, SGAC Chair

“I am very proud to welcome Ivo Petkov as the very first Business Development Officer of SGAC. This role is a testament to the incredible growth of SGAC over the past couple of years, and a demonstration of our commitment to consolidate and expand our presence in all regions of the world, especially emerging ones. We have been extremely impressed with Ivo’s profile and I am confident that he will prove to be a great asset for SGAC. These are exciting times at SGAC and as incoming Chair I very much look forward to working with him, Nikol and Tatiana, as well as our 27.000+ volunteers from all over the world, for enabling a bright future for the space youth all over the world.”

Antonino Salmeri, SGAC Co-Chair

“I am very happy to welcome Ivo to the team as our inaugural SGAC Business Development Officer. His extensive experience and diverse background are poised to greatly benefit SGAC, particularly in expanding our presence and engagement in underrepresented regions. I eagerly anticipate our collaborative efforts ahead in achieving SGAC’s mission and goals.”

Nikol Koleva, SGAC Executive Director