Ex-commander of Ukraine's Logistics Forces becomes CEO of Ukroboronprom
Oleh Huliak (Photo: Ukroboronprom)

Ukroboronprom has appointed Oleh Huliak as its new CEO, replacing Herman Smetanin who was promoted to Minister of Strategic Industries, the company announced on its website.

More than 20 candidates applied for the position, but the board selected Huliak, who had been serving as Smetanin's advisor on military cooperation and acting CEO since September.

The search and evaluation of candidates were conducted by the Ukrainian office of Odgers Berndtson, a global executive search firm. Representatives from the US, UK, and German embassies were involved in the interview process with shortlisted candidates.

"It is extremely important for us that the largest state defense company is headed by a person with experience in the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and as the head of logistics of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He is a professional who knows exactly what the Ukrainian Armed Forces need. He is a true leader: proactive, responsible and effective," said David Lomjaria, chairman of the Ukroboronprom supervisory board.

Reference

Oleh Huliak was born in 1972 and began his military career in 1993, serving as the deputy commander of a reconnaissance company in an airmobile division in Bolhrad, Odesa Oblast. He participated in peacekeeping operations in Iraq in 2004 and 2005. From 2007 to 2010, he commanded the 95th Separate Airmobile Brigade based in Zhytomyr.

Huliak has been involved in the Russo-Ukrainian War since 2017, serving as the deputy commander of the Anti-Terrorist Operation Forces. He headed the military academy in Odesa and was appointed Commander of the Logistics Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in September 2021. He was dismissed from this position on February 29, 2024.

On August 8, 2024, Ukroboronprom entered the list of the top 50 global defense companies for the first time.

The previous CEO, Herman Smetanin, held the position from June 2023 to September 2024, when he was appointed Minister of Strategic Industries.