Diana Harlova has been appointed president of the European Bedding Industries’ Association (EBIA). After five years at the helm of the association, Geert Geerkens has concluded his mandate, and has been replaced by Diana, COO of Bulgarian mattress manufacturer TedBed.
Geert was elected president of EBIA in 2021, and guided the association through a period of significant change for the European bedding industry, with sustainability, circularity, product safety, regulation and fair competition becoming increasingly important priorities for the sector.
“On behalf of EBIA and its members, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to Geert for his commitment and leadership over the past five years,” says Frederik Lauwaert, MD of EBIA. “His contribution to the development of EBIA and to strengthening co-operation within the European bedding industry has been greatly valued.”
Geert comments: “It has been a great honour to serve as president of EBIA over the past five years. Since my election in Utrecht in 2021, the European bedding industry has faced significant challenges and changes, but I am proud of what we have achieved together as an association. EBIA has continued to strengthen its position as the voice of the European bedding industry, while our members have worked together on issues that are fundamental to the future of our sector, from sustainability and circularity to product safety and fair competition.”
Diana is the first female president in the association’s history, and its first from Bulgaria. She brings extensive experience from the European bedding industry and will lead EBIA at a time when the sector is facing important challenges and opportunities, says the EBIA, including the implementation of new European sustainability and product legislation, the development of a more circular bedding industry, product safety and compliance, and ensuring a level playing field for European manufacturers.
“I am honoured to take on the role of president of EBIA,” says Diana. “I would like to thank Geert for his dedication and leadership over the past five years. I look forward to working closely with the EBIA board, our members and the wider bedding industry to further strengthen our association and ensure that the voice of the European bedding sector is heard clearly at European level.”
Pictured: Diana and Geert
