Asen Nenchev is the new executive director of the Bulgarian Investment Agency (BAI), the economy ministry says. He took up the post today, appointed by deputy prime minister and economy, investment and industry minister Alexander Pulev. Angel Ivanov had been running the agency on an interim basis.

Nenchev has worked in London and Bulgaria for more than 20 years. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics and business from University College London and a master's in management from Imperial College London, where his thesis looked at foreign direct investment and its effect on economic growth.

In London he worked for the international financial firms Merrill Lynch and Société Générale. His career has taken in corporate finance, energy, business transformation and strategic development, and he has held senior roles and sat on management and supervisory boards in both the public and private sectors. He previously ran Sofia Tech Park as executive director, in charge of the organisation's management, development and strategic direction.

The ministry says Nenchev has a strong track record in running and developing big investment projects, as well as in finance and investment.

"I'm here to show Bulgaria to the world in the best possible light and to bring in more investment. That's a key priority for the government and a personal goal of mine. I hope that together we can build on what's already been achieved and keep making Bulgaria an attractive place to invest," Nenchev said as he took office.

BAI is an executive agency under the economy, investment and industry ministry that works to bring investment into Bulgaria. According to its website, the agency helps both would-be and existing investors in the country, offering support with market research as well as projects involving new jobs, exports and the transfer of know-how.