Anca Ioana Ionescu has been appointed the Director, Head of Bulgaria for the Europen Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the EBRD), replacing Larisa Manastirli.
In the role, Anca leads the EBRD’s operations in Bulgaria and manages a portfolio of close to €1 billion.
The Bank is one of the largest institutional investors in Bulgaria and has invested nearly €3.9 billion to date in 253 projects in the country, with the majority in the private sector.
In Bulgaria, the EBRD focuses on enhancing the competitiveness of the private sector; strengthening financial sector intermediation and narrowing the infrastructure gap.
“I am honoured to take on this new role as Bulgaria’s economy is growing robustly and sound fiscal policies are being recognised in the country’s upgraded credit rating. The EBRD will build on Bulgaria’s macroeconomic performance and its integration into the EU’s financial architecture. We will continue providing financing and advice for successful local companies, banks and infrastructure projects while also supporting the authorities in designing policies that further advance the country towards a sustainable market economy, thus accelerating income convergence," says Anca.
An impressive career history
For a number of years, Anca has been the EBRD’s Head of North Macedonia, based in Skopje, also acting as the interim Head of Kosovo for a time. A Romanian national, she joined the EBRD in 2011 as a senior banker based in Bucharest.
Previously, Anca was a director in private equity for ten years, focusing on central and south-eastern Europe, including Bulgaria. During this period, she led the setting-up of fund operations and numerous investments, and held directorships in a range of sectors including energy, telecommunications, real estate and manufacturing.
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