Borjana Pervan is Chief Executive Officer of the World Heart Federation (WHF), where she leads the global organisation’s efforts to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease and improve heart health for everyone, everywhere.
A journalist by training, Borjana has built her career around asking questions, challenging assumptions, and bringing people together to drive change. She began as a broadcast and print reporter in her native Bulgaria, where her investigative work helped uncover a major international human trafficking ring. She later moved into strategic communications and organisational leadership, working across global health, environmental conservation, child protection, and human rights.
Before becoming CEO, Borjana served as Chief Operating Officer and Deputy CEO of WHF, having joined the organisation in 2019 as Director of Strategy and Communications. During her tenure, she helped shape some of WHF’s most significant achievements, including transforming World Heart Day into one of the world’s largest public health awareness campaigns, strengthening the Federation’s global advocacy efforts, and helping secure the first European Union-level cardiovascular health plan. She also played a leading role in positioning the World Heart Summit as a premier global platform where science, policy, and media come together to advance cardiovascular health.
Prior to joining WHF, Borjana held senior leadership roles at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the International Cocoa Initiative. Her work focused on strengthening global partnerships, increasing organisational impact, and promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable systems that improve people's lives.
Throughout her career, Borjana has been driven by a belief that complex global challenges can be solved through collaboration, evidence-based action, and strong leadership. She is passionate about ensuring that scientific knowledge is translated into policies and practical solutions that improve health outcomes and create lasting change for communities around the world.
