Ex Czech Ambassador Takes Over CEZ Bulgaria

The Czech-owned power utility CEZ, which services western Bulgaria, officially introduced their new Regional Manager – former Czech Ambassador to Sofia, Petr Dokladal.

Dokladal was Ambassador to Sofia from 2001 to 2006, and has received Bulgaria's highest order, Stara Planina, for his service to bilateral relations. He replaces Jan Vavera, who managed the company for the last year.

CEZ announced plans to reshuffle their leadership in Bulgaria in mid-December, but the changes became effective on January 1, after Dokladal's term as Czech Ambassador to Romania expired.

"I accepted the job offer with great joy. My family and I love Bulgaria; we feel emotionally connected to the country," the former Ambassador says, vowing to improve services to reach European standards, and pointing out CEZ fully realizes its commitment to Bulgarian society, economy and energy sector.

Dokladal defined as his main goal establishing trust between the company as an investor and all other parties – the government, local authorities, consumer organizations and customers.

CEZ is ready to work to improve Bulgaria's legislation and to provide competent know-how advice over its belief the energy sector is of prime importance for the economy, politics and diplomacy, the CEZ Bulgaria new Head says.

The company further informed they have invested in Bulgaria over BGN 222 M between 2008 and 2010 as part of the 5-year investment program, approved by the State Commission for Energy and Water Regulation (DKEVR), for the total amount of BGN 352 M. In the last two years of the program, BGN 130 M would be used for improvements in the electric network. In 3 years, CEZ has paid BGN 40 M in corporate taxes.