Zijad Lugavić was born in Tuzla on October 15, 1973, where he completed his primary and secondary education. He graduated from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Tuzla, where he also earned a Ph.D. in Economics, specializing in the field of Digital Economy.

Before assuming the position of Mayor of the City of Tuzla, he served as the Assistant to the Mayor for Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, and Social Affairs in the City Administration of Tuzla. In this role, he was responsible for development policies, support to the economy, creating a favorable business environment, and improving the quality of life for citizens. Prior to that, he held the position of Assistant to the Mayor for the Inspection Affairs Department, as well as Director of the Public Institution “City Stadium Tušanj” Tuzla, Executive Director for Retail, Wholesale, and Logistics at Mercator BH d.o.o. Sarajevo, and several other managerial positions.

He was elected Mayor of Tuzla in 2023 as a candidate of the Social Democratic Party of Bosnia and Herzegovina (SDP BiH). His work is characterized by dedication to developing Tuzla as a modern, inclusive, and environmentally responsible city, grounded in the principles of social justice, equality, and coexistence.

Throughout his mandate, Lugavić has focused on improving municipal infrastructure, supporting youth and entrepreneurs, advancing the digital transformation of public administration, strengthening transparency, ensuring care for the elderly, and preserving the rich diversity and anti-fascist values for which Tuzla is well known.

He is also active in the academic community as an assistant professor in the field of digital transformation and is the author of numerous scientific and professional papers.