Desislava Radeva

Desislava Kirilova Radeva was born in Burgas, Bulgaria. She completed her secondary education at the Geo Milev English Language School in Burgas. She pursued higher education at the University of National and World Economy in Sofia, majoring in Finance and Credit. Additionally, she studied at the University of Forestry in Sofia. During her student years, she worked as an assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Rumen Hristov, from 1991 to 1995. 

Professional Career

Desislava Radeva has built a diverse career in public relations, communications, and marketing management. She has been involved in organizing various campaigns and projects for both Bulgarian and international companies operating in Bulgaria. 

Her professional roles include:

• Office Manager in Bulgarian television productions such as “Kanaleto” and “Hushove.” 

• Public Relations Manager at the Bulgarian Music Company.

• Assistant to the General Manager of Heineken Bulgaria.

• Marketing Expert at construction hypermarkets “Masterhouse” in Burgas.

• PR and Communication Manager at Top Communication GmbH, the company organizing the annual World Communication Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

• Marketing Manager at the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation, focusing on social development in various communities. 

• Team member at Manpower Group. 

Personal Life

Desislava Radeva was previously married to Georgi Svilenski, a Bulgarian engineer and Member of the National Assembly from the Bulgarian Socialist Party. They were married for 13 years and have one son, Strahil Svilenski, born in 1997. 

In 2016, she married Rumen Radev, who became the President of Bulgaria in January 2017. As First Lady, she has been actively involved in various public and diplomatic engagements.

Desislava Radeva is fluent in Bulgarian, English, and Russian. She practices the Bulgarian Orthodox faith. 

Role as First Lady

Since assuming the role of First Lady in January 2017, Desislava Radeva has accompanied President Rumen Radev on numerous state visits and official functions. 

Notable engagements include:

• Meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Istanbul on April 16, 2022, discussing issues of mutual interest. 

• Attending a lunch hosted by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid on April 28, 2022. 

• Participating in an official ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam, on November 25, 2024, during a state visit. 

• Visiting a kindergarten in Hanoi dedicated to Bulgarian culture, expressing appreciation for the cultural exchange between Vietnam and Bulgaria. 

Desislava Radeva is also known for her fashion sense, often garnering media attention for her style during official events. 

Philanthropy and Public Initiatives

Desislava Radeva founded the nonprofit association “Living Water of Bulgaria” (Жива вода на България), which conducts activities in the public interest.

However, the association has faced scrutiny regarding its transparency and accountability. An investigation reported that the association operates with limited public oversight.

Net Worth

As of December 2023, Desislava Radeva’s estimated net worth is approximately $5 million, primarily attributed to her career as an office manager and her various roles in public relations and marketing. 

Public Image

Desislava Radeva is recognized for her active participation in state affairs and her commitment to cultural and philanthropic initiatives. Her engagements often emphasize the importance of cultural exchange and social development. She maintains a prominent presence in both national and international media.

• Date Of Birth: 9 July 1969
• Country: Bulgaria
• President/ Head Of State: President Rumen Radev
• Years in Office: 22 January 2017 - Present