Mr. Mladenov will replace Mr. Martin Kobler of Germany to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for his dedicated service and excellent leadership of UNAMI.

Mr. Mladenov brings to his new position extensive experience from a distinguished career in public service. As Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria from February 2010 to March 2013, he led his country’s diplomatic engagement with a large number of partners, including in the Middle East.  He served as Minister of Defence of Bulgaria (July 2009-January 2010) and as a Member of the European Parliament, including its Foreign Affairs Committee and the Delegation for Iraq (May 2007-June 2009). He was also a Member of the Parliament of Bulgaria from 2001 to 2005. 

Mr. Mladenov has held several positions in the inter-governmental and non-governmental sectors, including at the World Bank, the National Democratic Institute and the International Republic Institute.

Mr. Mladenov earned a Master of Arts in War Studies at the King’s College of London, and a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in international relations at the University of National and World Economy of Sofia, in Bulgaria.

Born in Bulgaria in 1972, Mr. Mladenov is married with one child.