Ani Filipova

Born behind the "iron curtain" in a small Eastern European country, Bulgaria, I am an international banking executive with more than 25 years of banking experience.

I never thought I would be in banking and it is a by-product of a passion of mine - to travel, to see new places, to learn about foreign cultures. When I finished my education, my focus was to join an international company as this would allow me to travel. I was heartbroken when both Shell and McDonalds rejected my job application due to lack of experience. As a plan B I joined a local bank and then moved to the first international bank which opened an office in Bulgaria. After that everything is a history - 21 years with Citibank; I have been to more than 80 countries in the world – half of these visited on Business. I lived in Sofia, Bucharest, London, Singapore and Hong Kong. My most recent job was Asia Regional Chief Operating Officer for Citibank Treasury and Trade Solutions.

I am adept at Transformation, Digital Evolution, Innovation and Culture and have led multicultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-generational teams, collaborating across all disciplines and organizational levels.

It is my time to give back and during my sabbatical I am helping university graduates and young professionals find their career path. I am also building a portfolio of investments and Non-Exec Board roles to support entrepreneurs in diverse areas including ESG.

Connect with me on LinkedIn ( linkedin.com/in/anifilipova ) where I write about leadership, change & transformation, career and life skills.