At the 57th Annual Convention of IPLOCA, held in Izmir, Turkey in September 2025 and dedicated to the theme “Building a Sustainable Energy Infrastructure”, Zara Kiziryan – Chief Executive Officer of GBS Energy Solutions – was elected to the Board of Directors of the global association. The company, part of the Glavbolgarstroy Group and an active member of IPLOCA for several years, will now lead the Eastern Europe region and support the association in the capacity of its “Ambassador.”

In her new role as Regional Director for Eastern Europe, Ms. Kiziryan will represent the association’s members from this geographic area and will contribute to: strengthening the work of IPLOCA’s committees; preparing and monitoring the budget; supporting the resources necessary to achieve the association’s objectives; identifying new members; and fostering collaboration among member companies in the exchange of expertise, best practices, and standards in the fields of health and safety, quality, sustainability, and energy transition.

IPLOCA unites more than 250 companies from over 40 countries, organized into eight geographic regions for purposes of representation and voting. The newly elected Board of Directors for the 2025–2026 term consists of 25 members, including senior executives and CEOs of companies such as SICIM S.p.A. (Italy), CATERPILLAR Inc. (USA), Bonatti S.p.A. (Italy), ENKA A.Ş. (Turkey), and MAX STREICHER S.p.A. (Italy).

The International Pipe Line Association - IPLOCA is a global industry body that brings together leading companies specializing in the construction, engineering, and maintenance of onshore and offshore pipelines, compressor and pumping stations, terminals and facilities, subsea engineering, and offshore installations. Established in 1966 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the association’s mission is to promote the exchange of experience and technology among its members, to advance safety, quality, and sustainable development, and to represent the industry’s interests worldwide. IPLOCA organizes annual conventions, seminars, and technical meetings focusing on innovation in technologies and processes, AI transformation, and key issues related to the energy transition, standards, and regulatory requirements. In this way, IPLOCA serves as a collaborative platform for investors, contractors, and suppliers, maintaining an extensive database of innovative construction technologies and methods.

As part of the 57th Annual Convention in Izmir, Glavbolgarstroy also held a series of bilateral meetings, which not only strengthened relationships with renowned international companies in the energy sector but also laid the foundation for new and successful partnerships aimed at the effective and high-quality delivery of projects of strategic importance to Bulgaria.