Zhelez Atanasov

After obtaining a master’s degree in 'Brand Strategy' from SupDePub Paris and spending nearly a year at BETC Paris, Zhelez returned to Bulgaria to develop the strategic unit at Noble Graphics – one of the most decorated and respected agencies in the country. Thirteen years later, Zhelez is now the Strategic Planning Director at the very same agency.

Over the past years, he has worked with some of the biggest local and international brands. During this period, Noble Graphics won the title of 'Most Creative Agency' four times at the local creative festival FARA. Since joining the agency in 2010, Zhelez has made significant contributions to Noble Graphics' performance at the Effie Awards, securing a total of 48 awards and being named 'Most Effective Agency' in Bulgaria 7 times.

In the past 13 years, the strategic and creative work led by Zhelez has been also recognized at multiple international festivals, including Golden Drum, Epica Awards, Eurobest, and Cresta. In 2015, the agency became the first shortlisted Bulgarian agency at Cannes Lions, and in 2022, Noble Graphics won the first Silver award for Bulgaria at the Euro Effies.

In 2014, Zhelez got to the stage of Cannes Lions, securing the first and only gold medal for Bulgaria in the Young Lions Film competition. Since 2015, he has been teaching 'Advertising Strategy' at the New Bulgarian University.