The real thing: when grabbing opportunities changes a life
Published: Sep 2025
A Rising Star
Highly Commended Winner
Mihaela Mihaylova
Photo of Mihaela Mihaylova, Coca-Cola.
Mihaela Mihaylova
Director of Treasury, Global Cash & Investments
USA The Coca-Cola Company is an American multinational corporation founded in 1892. Its stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is a component of the DJIA and the S&P 500 and S&P 100 indexes.
Fifteen years ago, in a remarkable story of personal resilience and growth, Mihaela (Misha) Mihaylova landed in Atlanta, Georgia from her native Bulgaria alone, without a job or anywhere to live. After winning the green card lottery, the programme where eligible individuals are selected to apply for a green card and permanent US residency, she took the plunge and chose to start a new life in America. Today, in a fitting circle, she is Director of Treasury at Coca-Cola, rising through the ranks at a company that in many ways encapsulates the American dream she sought.
Climbing the ladder
Although Misha arrived with few possessions – everything packed into just two suitcases – she had earned a degree in Economics from the University of National and World Economy and had garnered work experience as a junior accountant in Bulgaria at Procter & Gamble. Still, she had to start out working as a waitress. It took several months until she landed her first job as a teller for a large Wells Fargo branch, although she continued working two jobs as a waitress and in the bank to cover her bills. Today she believes those early lessons in perseverance and resilience have been instrumental in her success.
In January 2012 she left Wells Fargo and joined Coca-Cola Credit Union, a small banking institution in Atlanta. This role opened the door to joining Coca-Cola’s corporate finance and treasury department where she started out as an International Treasury Analyst in the corporate office.
“Winning the Adam Smith Award signifies the culmination of determination and hard work. It recognises my commitment to pioneering, resilient strategies and frameworks that empower my team and the organisation to confidently navigate complex challenges.”
Talent shines through at Coca-Cola
Like a true “Rising Star,” in the ensuing years, Misha has developed her treasury skills, worked hard and taken advantage of every opportunity to climb up the ladder. She is currently Director of Treasury where she helps manage ~US$20bn in global cash overseeing liquidity, investment and technology integration as well as managing a small team. She is also involved in shaping risk management frameworks attached to Coca-Cola’s IHB, tasked with driving financial stability and operational excellence. Starting anew taught her invaluable lessons in perseverance and adaptability, which have been instrumental in her success and continue to drive her forward.
Even though she has achieved so much already, Misha is not resting on her laurels. Most recently she ticked off another item on her personal bucket list after completing a six-month Harvard Publishing Certificate programme to build her business and leadership skills. The programme focuses particularly on critical leadership skills in global finance and strategic decision-making and obtaining it from Harvard was a dream come true.
A compelling journey of determination
One aspect of the job Misha enjoys most is helping educate and mentor her team. Her leadership philosophy is to lead by example, and mindful of the support she has received on her career journey from the treasury community, she now looks for every opportunity to promote her staff and give back to others. Misha truly loves her role in treasury and is dedicated to the success of the treasury organisation and the company as a whole. Her work ethic and commitment to excellence are strong factors in the success she has achieved thus far and have distinguished her in the eyes of senior management.
“After 29 years at The Coca-Cola Company, I can honestly say that working with Misha has been one of the highlights of my career. You could simply use her picture in the dictionary for the definition of intentionality, resiliency, integrity, persistence and empathy. The unique mixture of qualities and skills that she possesses has enabled her to quickly climb the ladder of success at The Coca-Cola Company,” says James Aschmeyer, former Senior Director of International Treasury, The Coca-Cola Company and Misha’s direct boss for over ten years.
The Adam Smith Awards are the industry benchmark for best practice and innovation in corporate treasury. The 2025 awards attracted 454 nominations. To find out more please visit treasurytoday.com/adam-smith-awards
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