Maxim Behar | Founder and CEO | M3 Communications Group, Inc.
Maxim Behar is a globally recognized public relations expert, entrepreneur, journalist, and diplomat who has made an enduring mark on the communications industry. As the founder and CEO of M3 Communications Group, Inc., he has transformed the company into one of Bulgaria’s leading PR and social media agencies. His strategic vision, coupled with an unrelenting passion for communication, has positioned him among the most respected figures in the global PR landscape. With an Executive Program in Leadership Decision Making from Harvard Kennedy School and a Ph.D. in Public Relations and Media from Sofia University, Maxim has always valued continuous learning as the foundation of leadership and innovation. At EliteX, we are proud to have Maxim Behar as part of the edition: Impactful Business Icons to Look Out For in 2025.
His journey began far from the world of media and communications. Maxim started his professional life as a machinery worker in a Sofia-based factory before transitioning into journalism, where he spent 15 years honing his storytelling and communication skills. He eventually launched one of Bulgaria’s first private daily newspapers, Standard News, a bold move that reflected his entrepreneurial spirit. Despite the paper’s success, Maxim decided to resign from his role as Managing Editor, guided by Winston Churchill’s wisdom that one must know exactly when to quit. This decision led him to the next chapter of his career – public relations – where he discovered a perfect blend of creativity, ethics, and responsibility.
“Crisis periods are the best time to create success, as they force innovation and resilience.”
In 1994, Maxim founded M3 Communications Group, Inc., starting as a one-man operation in a small rented room. Over nearly three decades, his company has evolved into a leading PR and social media firm, partnering with Hill+Knowlton Strategies, one of the largest international communications corporations. Under his leadership, M3 Communications has built a reputation for reliability, transparency, and creativity, offering clients across sectors services such as media relations, corporate communications, social media management, event planning, and digital design. The company’s client base includes both long-term partners and project-based clients from across the globe, with a focus on delivering measurable outcomes and maintaining 24/7 availability – a reflection of Maxim’s belief in responsiveness and innovation.
Maxim’s professional journey is filled with milestones that highlight his excellence in leadership. He was twice named the Best PR Consultant in the World by the Stevie Awards and recognized as the Best PR Consultant in Europe by PR Week. With more than 100 international business and leadership awards, his achievements extend beyond business accolades. He serves as the President of the World Communications Forum Association in Davos, International Growth Chair of ICCO, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the University of National and World Economy in Sofia. His influence also reaches academia as an Advisory Board Member of ENGAGE.eu in Germany and the World PR Museum in New York City. In 2017, he became the first Eastern European to be inducted into the Global PR Hall of Fame in London. Additionally, he proudly represents the Republic of Seychelles as its Honorary Consul General in Bulgaria.
Throughout his career, Maxim has emphasized that the future of communications lies in the integration of advertising, public relations, and digital media. He believes PR professionals will lead this new era because they are the “Kings of Content” – experts who understand storytelling, trust, and human connection.
His insights on modern communication trends are reflected in his books, including The Global PR Revolution, which was ranked among the Top 3 Best PR Books of All Time by Book Authority. His recent book, The Morning After, written during the COVID-19 pandemic, explores how leadership and management styles have changed in a post-crisis world. For Maxim, a true leader is not merely a manager but someone who inspires collaboration, fosters transparency, and drives adaptability in times of change.
“A true leader is not merely a manager but someone who inspires collaboration and drives adaptability in times of change.”
Under his guidance, M3 Communications has embraced professionalism, integrity, and transparency as its core values. Even as social media transformed the business landscape, Maxim maintained a focus on authenticity and measurable outcomes. He believes that success in communications depends on being proactive, creative, and knowledgeable. Every campaign at M3 is crafted with precision, ensuring that each word and image resonates with purpose. His company’s long-term success also lies in its ability to evolve with technology, preparing for the next era of real-time video communication and instant engagement.
For Maxim, leadership is about continuous growth and empowering teams to think fast and act with confidence. He often shares his personal mantra for success – the 3S formula: Speed, Simplicity, and Self-Confidence. He believes that speed helps make timely and effective decisions, simplicity clarifies priorities and values, and self-confidence builds resilience and courage. These principles, according to Maxim, are essential for anyone who wishes to achieve lasting success in business or life.
The COVID-19 pandemic tested these principles like never before. While many businesses struggled, Maxim and his team quickly adapted, turning challenges into opportunities. Within weeks, they reorganized operations, strengthened internal communications, and helped clients navigate uncertainty. This adaptability reinforced his belief that crisis periods are the best time to create success, as they force innovation and resilience.
Today, Maxim Behar continues to shape the future of the PR industry with his visionary leadership, ethical principles, and deep understanding of global communication trends. His work demonstrates that true influence comes from trust, transparency, and a commitment to learning. For him, success is not only about building a strong business but also about shaping a better, more connected world through the power of communication.
“PR professionals will lead the new era of communications because they are the kings of content.”
