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Zilch is Europe’s fastest-growing fintech company, redefining the buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) space. Founded in 2020, Zilch has achieved extraordinary growth, reaching a $2 billion valuation and securing over 4 million active customers within just a few years. With bold ambitions to go public and continue scaling internationally, the company sought to strengthen its senior leadership team to support its next phase of expansion.
As Zilch prepared for a potential IPO, the leadership team identified the need for an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) who could bring structure, discipline, and global operational expertise to a rapidly scaling fintech environment. The ideal candidate would combine deep operational knowledge with experience leading transformation and growth within complex, multinational organisations.
Zinnia Associates conducted a rigorous search across the financial services and technology sectors — focusing on executives who had successfully led large-scale operational transformations and driven international expansion. Emphasis was placed on identifying leaders who could navigate the challenges of regulatory growth, customer experience excellence, and operational scalability.
Throughout the process, Zinnia worked closely with Zilch’s Founder and CEO to refine the candidate brief, ensuring alignment with the company’s culture and long-term strategic vision.
After an extensive global search, Boriana Tchobanova was appointed as Chief Operating Officer. Boriana joined Zilch from American Express Global Business Travel, where she held senior leadership roles overseeing large-scale operations and transformation initiatives.
Her blend of financial acumen, operational excellence, and leadership experience made her the ideal choice to help Zilch navigate its next stage of growth and prepare for life as a public company.
Boriana’s appointment has strengthened Zilch’s executive leadership team, bringing the operational rigour and strategic depth necessary to support its global ambitions. The successful hire reflects Zinnia Associates’ deep sector expertise, commitment to client partnership, and proven ability to deliver at the highest levels of executive search.
According to a company statement, Tchobanova will work to "deliver major initiatives that will support the organisation’s growth, unlock new revenue opportunities, and improve efficiencies".
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