New EBIA President: Diana Harlova
Diana Harlova appointed President of the European Bedding Industries’ Association (EBIA)
Malta, 17 September 2026
After five years at the helm of the association, Geert Geerkens concludes his mandate as President. He is succeeded by Mrs Diana Harlova, from the Bulgarian mattress manufacturer TedBed.
Geert Geerkens was elected President of EBIA at the association’s General Assembly in Utrecht in 2021. During his mandate, he guided the association through a period of significant change for the European bedding industry, with sustainability, circularity, product safety, regulation and fair competition becoming increasingly important priorities for the sector.
“On behalf of EBIA and its members, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to Geert for his commitment and leadership over the past five years,” said Frederik Lauwaert, Managing Director of EBIA. “His contribution to the development of EBIA and to strengthening cooperation within the European bedding industry has been greatly valued.”
Geert Geerkens: “It has been a great honour to serve as President of EBIA over the past five years. Since my election in Utrecht in 2021, the European bedding industry has faced significant challenges and changes, but I am proud of what we have achieved together as an association.
EBIA has continued to strengthen its position as the voice of the European bedding industry, while our members have worked together on issues that are fundamental to the future of our sector, from sustainability and circularity to product safety and fair competition.”.
The association is pleased to announce that Diana Harlova will take over the presidency. Her appointment marks an important milestone for EBIA, as she is the first female president in the association’s history and the first president from Bulgaria.
Diana Harlova brings extensive experience from the European bedding industry and will lead EBIA at a time when the sector is facing important challenges and opportunities. These include the implementation of new European sustainability and product legislation, the development of a more circular bedding industry, product safety and compliance, and ensuring a level playing field for European manufacturers.
“I am honoured to take on the role of President of EBIA,” said Diana Harlova. “I would like to thank Geert for his dedication and leadership over the past five years. I look forward to working closely with the EBIA Board, our members and the wider bedding industry to further strengthen our association and ensure that the voice of the European bedding sector is heard clearly at European level.”
The transition in the presidency reflects EBIA’s commitment to continuity while also bringing new perspectives and leadership to the association. Diana Harlova will work closely with the EBIA Board and Managing Director to further advance the association’s priorities and strengthen its role as the representative voice of the European bedding industry.
EBIA thanks Geert Geerkens for his valuable contribution as President and wishes him every success for the future.