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Inside ICON Bulgaria: Career Insights from Dimitar Karzhin, Site Head

Posting date: 08/10/2025
Author: Inside ICON

A Career Built on Purpose: Dimitar's Journey at ICON Plc

Dimitar Karzhin’s career path is not one he could have predicted. What began with a decade as a practicing General Practitioner in Bulgaria led, through a series of pivotal choices and a deep sense of purpose, to a 14 year journey with ICON Plc - a journey defined by transformation, growth, and an unwavering focus on improving patient’s lives.

Today, as Site Head for ICON in Bulgaria, Dimitar reflects on his transition from clinical practice to clinical research, the evolution of the business in the region and what it means to lead a team that continues to expand both in size and scope.

From Medical Doctor to Clinical Research Leader

Dimitar’s story begins not in a corporate office, but in a small town medical practice. After graduating from medical school in 1996, he built a successful GP practice serving around 6000 patients. But by 2003, he began to question whether this was the long term path he wanted.

“It wasn’t just about professional development,” he explains. “My personal life was changing, and I started to wonder if this was truly where I wanted to be.” At the time, Bulgaria was facing economic instability, and many professionals were leaving the country. But fate and a chance conversation redirected his future. A friend and colleague from university, now working in clinical research, told him about the industry. “To be honest, I didn’t even know such services existed in Bulgaria,” Dimitar admits. “But when I learned that this work ultimately helps patients access life saving medicines faster, it resonated deeply.”

That purpose - the idea that behind every trial, there’s a patient waiting — has remained his anchor ever since. “No matter how challenging the day, if you remember that someone out there is counting on this medicine, it gives you strength to keep going.”

Why ICON? A Culture That Felt Different

When ICON reached out to him in 2011, Dimitar was already a senior project manager at another CRO. The role they offered was compelling, but it was the people who made the difference.

“The leaders I met during the interview process were experienced and capable, but also humble and human,” he says. “That stood out. In my previous experience, leadership often felt distant. At ICON, it felt like a partnership.”

Another deciding factor was flexibility. At the time, ICON had no physical office in Bulgaria, so they offered him the opportunity to work from home - rare in 2011, especially in clinical research. “I’d just become a father,” he recalls. “Being able to spend time with my daughter while building a new career meant everything. It gave me a better work life balance from day one.”

He hasn’t hesitated since. “Fourteen years later, I still believe in the people, recognise myself with ICON’s core values, culture, and our mission. That’s why I’ve stayed.”

Growing With Bulgaria

When Dimitar joined, ICON in Bulgaria was a team of about 20, all working remotely. The first time the group met in person, they gathered in a local café - a moment he still remembers vividly.

Since then, the business has grown significantly. Today, ICON has two offices in Sofia and over 770 employees across multiple functions. While the initial growth was gradual, the last three years have seen rapid expansion, driven in part by the pandemic’s lasting impact.

“The pandemic proved that remote work could be effective,” Dimitar says. “It opened doors for locations like Bulgaria; places with highly educated multilingual talent and strong motivation to grow professionally.”

And the trend is reversing. “Three to four years ago, people were leaving Bulgaria. Now, we’re seeing professionals return, some after 15 or 20 years abroad - because companies like ICON offer them the chance to build a meaningful career at home.” This shift has been transformative. “We’re no longer just a delivery centre. We’re a strategic hub, trusted to deliver high quality work across global teams.”

More Than Just Clinical Delivery

While ICON’s roots in Bulgaria were in clinical operations, the footprint has broadened dramatically.

“We’ve built entire teams from the ground up,” Dimitar says. “The proposals team started with one leader who brought a group of talented colleagues with him. Today, they’re a fully functioning business development unit.”

Other growing areas include: 

  • Contracts: where specialists leverage their language skills and regional expertise to support agreements across Europe. 
  • Pharmacovigilance: now a rapidly expanding team moving into regulatory spaces. Central Labs: supporting both central and local lab operations. 
  • Clinical Trials Hub: with over 90 dedicated Clinical Trial Associates, many of whom progress into other roles within ICON. 
  • Marketing and GBS functions: including HR, Finance and IT.

“What’s powerful is that people see a future here,” he adds. “They join in one role, gain experience and grow into something new. It’s a win win for them, and for the company.”

Building a Culture That Connects

As Site Head, Dimitar sees his role not just as a leader, but as an enabler. “Culture isn’t built by one person. It’s built by everyone who chooses to contribute.”

He points to the Social Club, a volunteer led initiative formed about a year ago as a cornerstone of community life. “It started with a few engaged individuals who wanted to organise events, give back and bring people together.” Now, the club drives a calendar of activities: yoga sessions, charity drives, mountain hikes and team building events - open to both office based and remote colleagues.

“The CTA hub organised a hike in the nearby mountains,” Dimitar says. “They did it twice, and now it’s becoming a tradition. The beautiful thing is, they open it to everyone. That’s how our culture grows - from the ground up.”

His role? To support, encourage and help communicate these efforts. “I don’t drive the initiatives - I help amplify them. And I make sure those who give their time are recognised.”

Looking Ahead: Stability, Growth, and Adaptation

Globally, the industry faces challenges such as economic uncertainty, shifting client needs, and rapid technological change. But Dimitar sees opportunity ahead.

Bulgaria’s adoption of the Euro at the start of 2026 will make business easier within the Eurozone,” he notes. “And as more professionals choose to return home, we have a chance to continue attracting top talent.”

He also believes ICON’s reputation in the region is a key advantage. “People talk. When someone hears that ICON offers growth, flexibility and respect, they want to be part of it.”

In terms of innovation, artificial intelligence is a major topic. “Yes, AI will change how we work,” he says. “But it won’t replace us. Just like electricity, the telephone and smartphones, it’s a tool we must learn to use wisely.”

He compares it to automation in hotels: “You don’t see receptionists at the desk more often now, but they haven’t disappeared. They’ve evolved. The same will happen in our industry; roles will adapt, and people will grow into new ones.”

For Dimitar, the message is clear: embrace change, stay curious and open-minded and keep focused on how we serve the patient at the end of the process.

Advice for Those Considering a Career at ICON Bulgaria

His advice to anyone thinking of joining is simple: “Look beyond the job title. Ask yourself: does this place align with your values? Do the people inspire you? Will you have the chance to grow?”

At ICON, he says, the answer is yes. “We’re not just building a business; we’re building careers, communities and a future where people can thrive professionally and personally.”

And for those already here? “Keep contributing. Your ideas matter. Your presence matters. This culture only works because of the people who choose to be part of it.”

Interested in exploring a career with ICON in Bulgaria? View our current vacancies today.

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