The often topsy turvy world of travel search technology startup Everbread continues – founder and president Assen Vassilev is doing his civic duty and joining the Bulgarian government.
In a you-couldn’t-make-it-up moment, Vassilev has become the country’s minister for economy, energy and tourism.
Before investors, customers and curious onlookers spend the rest of the day scratching their heads in amazement, it is worth noting that Vassilev’s switch to the post is actually only temporary.
The caretaker role will run until elections in May this year after president Rosen Plevneliev created a short-term cabinet following weeks without a formal government.
Political power in the country has effectively been in limbo after the leading parties refused to form a working government. Street protests over high energy bills, corruption and poverty have dogged Bulgaria ever since.
Everbread says Vassilev (considered by most to be the brains behind the Haystack technology) remains with the company during this period.
The company website says he is “president”, whilst other reports have him down as vice president of strategy and business development. Either way, he’s an integral part of the business.
Some might question if Vassilev’s enthusiasm to help his country chimes so well with the company’s recent desire to reinvigorate itself following a few years sitting in the background, in start contrast to its high profile launch.
Who knows.
Not sure, however, if travel-startup-land will suddenly see a flurry of its CEOs adding to their 70-hour weeks (that’s the figure everyone always uses, weirdly) by becoming local mayors, officials, etc.
NB: Bulgaria vote image via Shutterstock.
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Interestingly enough, in a recent interview in a Bulgarian newspaper, Morten Lund stated that Assen will not be returning to his duties in Everbread after his government stint.
The interview is in Bulgarian here : http://www.24chasa.bg/Article.asp?ArticleId=1839527