Ukroboronprom has announced a competition for the position of CEO
The Supervisory Board of the joint-stock company “Ukrainian Defense Industry” has announced an open competition for the position of CEO. The search for candidates began on September 1, 2026, and the international firm Amrop Partnership will conduct the preliminary screening.
The Supervisory Board of “Ukrainian Defense Industry” has announced an open competition for the position of CEO of the company. This refers to the enterprise that previously operated as the state-owned concern “Ukroboronprom.” Following the reform of the defense-industrial complex, the concern was transformed into the joint-stock company “Ukrainian Defense Industry.”
The company reported that the selection of the future CEO will follow an open procedure. The search for candidates began on September 1, 2026. The Ukrainian office of the international firm Amrop Partnership will handle the preliminary screening and evaluation of candidates. Amrop Partnership is one of the largest international consulting networks specializing in the search for top-level executives and the evaluation of managers.
The company was selected through an open procurement process. In other words, an external professional consultant was engaged to assist in the search for a new CEO and conduct the initial screening of candidates. Afterward, candidates will be evaluated based on criteria specific to the position. The final decision on the appointment of the CEO will be made by the supervisory board in accordance with established procedures.
Who Could Lead the Defense Industry
The position of CEO of “Ukrainian Defense Industry” is one of the key roles in the state defense sector. The company brings together enterprises within the defense-industrial complex and works on the production and development of weapons and military equipment. Therefore, the new leader will be expected to bring more than just managerial experience. A deep understanding of the defense industry, the ability to work with large enterprises, manage finances, and collaborate with international partners will be crucial, as will the ability to expand production amid a full-scale war.
Ukraine’s cooperation with Western partners is of particular importance. The defense industry is becoming increasingly integrated into international supply chains, and Ukrainian enterprises are expanding joint projects with foreign companies. That is precisely why the choice of a leader will matter not only for the company itself. The development of part of Ukraine’s defense production and the implementation of joint projects with partners depend on the work of “Ukrainian Defense Industry.”
How the Selection Process Will Work
The search for candidates began on September 1. Initially, Amrop Partnership will screen and evaluate applicants. Engaging a professional recruitment firm should help ensure that the selection process follows uniform criteria and results in a shortlist of candidates who meet the requirements for a leader at this level.
However, the published information does not name any specific candidates for the position. Likewise, it has not yet been disclosed how many people are expected to advance to the final stage of the competition. The subsequent stages of selection and the final decision will depend on the procedure conducted by the supervisory board.
Thus, “Ukrainian Defense Industry” has launched a search for a new CEO through an open competition. Candidates will be preliminarily evaluated by the international recruitment network Amrop Partnership, after which the supervisory board will appoint the company’s new CEO. This was reported by the company.
Following the dismissal of Herman Smetanin, CEO of JSC “Ukrainian Defense Industry,” the company’s supervisory board appointed Serhiy Boev as acting CEO. The personnel decision was made against the backdrop of events related to the explosions in Vyshneve.
On July 14, Herman Smetanin, CEO of Ukroboronprom, announced that he was stepping down from his position. He did not specify the reason for his resignation.
