Yovko Lambrev

I have years of experience working for some of the most significant technological giants, such as IBM and Siemens. My largest successful international project was the infrastructure migration for Coca-Cola at more than 70 locations in 26 countries. I was in charge and led the installation of the only IBM BlueGene/P supercomputer in Bulgaria (and Southeast Europe). My experience as a programmer, system, and network administrator, my knowledge of different platforms combined with the skills I honed as a software engineer, infrastructure architect, brand manager, and salesman enabled me to become a multifaceted specialist, to manage projects for implementation of hybrid solutions at different scales, to take various roles and evaluate tasks from multiple perspectives. As an IBM Brand Manager, I was directly responsible for a business worth about US$ 4 million per year.

I launched my first startup (it no longer exists) in 1998, right after my Master's Degree in Telecommunications. By now, I have started four companies, of which two are still in existence. My companies are involved in developing mobile and web applications, digital media and publishing, and online platforms for SaaS and business.

My last four years at IBM (out of 8) are my best business education. The largest transaction I was a part of was worth US$ 10.9 million (list price), and I was involved in the capacity of an IT architect. However, I opted to be a small entrepreneur to be closer to the clients and have the freedom to set my daily agenda. Nevertheless, I use every day what I learn from the big corporate world, especially when I try to avoid its mistakes.

I'm more than happy to be a Novartian now.