It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of David Hampson, a man whose name became synonymous with the growth and modernisation of the international business landscape in Bulgaria. A British national who made Bulgaria his home for several decades, David was a catalyst for progress, a mentor to many, and a tireless advocate for transparent and ethical business practices.
David’s most enduring professional legacy is perhaps his role as a founding member and the inaugural Chairman of the British Bulgarian Business Association (BBBA). Established in 2015, the association was the realisation of David’s long-held belief that the bond between the United Kingdom and Bulgaria could—and should—be strengthened through mutual commercial success. Under his leadership, the BBBA grew from a nascent idea into a vibrant community of hundreds of companies.
As the Managing Partner of Technology Transfer, David was at the forefront of the digital revolution in Eastern Europe. He didn’t just sell technology; he advocated for its power to transform governance. Through his extensive work with the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria, where he served as Vice Chair of the Public Procurement and EU Financing Consultative Committee, he became a respected voice in the halls of government. He fought passionately for the digitalisation of public procurement, believing that “state-of-the-art” technology was the key to eliminating corruption and fostering a fair market.
David’s career was marked by a diverse and deep expertise. Before his time in Bulgaria, he held senior roles, including:
- Managing Director at Grenville Financial: Where he applied his keen financial acumen.
- Commercial Director at Central European Media Enterprises (CME): Helping shape the media landscape in the region.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: From his early days at the University of Essex to his leadership in Sofia, David was driven by a curiosity for how systems work and how they can be improved for the benefit of society.
To those who knew him outside of boardrooms, David was a man of immense warmth, sharp wit, and intellectual rigour. He was a “fixer” in the best sense of the word—someone who enjoyed solving complex problems and connecting people who could help one another. He was deeply integrated into the fabric of Sofia life, respected by expats and Bulgarians alike for his integrity and his genuine love for his adopted country.
He was a mentor to a generation of young Bulgarian entrepreneurs, always willing to share a coffee and his decades of experience to help a new idea take flight.
David Hampson’s passing marks the end of an era for the international community in Sofia. He leaves behind a stronger, more transparent, and more connected business environment. He will be remembered not just for the organisations he built, but for the kindness, energy, and unwavering optimism he brought to every endeavour.