Zhelyazko Hristov was born in 1948 in Rogosh, Bulgaria.
He received a degree in medicine from the Higher Institute of Medicine in Plovdiv (1976) .
Until 1990 he worked as chief assistant in thoracic and abdominal surgery in Plovdiv. After this year he became deputy chairman of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) on a public service principle.
The 4th CITUB Congress elected him Chairman of the Confederation (1997). Active participant in the negotiations with the administration on employment and labour issues.
Dean (and initiator) of the Faculty of Public Health at the University of Medicine, Plovdiv.
Married, with children.
Died on 15 September 2010.