Temporary Director Appointed for State Forest Enterprise

What Happened

On May 27, 2026, the Supervisory Board of the State Enterprise 'Lis Ukraine' appointed Ihor Zubovych as its temporary director, effective July 1, 2026. This decision was reported by Ukrinform and confirmed by the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture.

The Board expressed confidence in Zubovych's ability to lead the enterprise during a transformative period. The Board member Roberts Stripnieks stated that the organization must maintain its direction but with renewed energy.

Stripnieks emphasized Zubovych's trustworthiness and readiness to face challenges. Zubovych, in his acceptance, pledged to implement transparent and effective management practices.

He outlined his priorities, including enhancing governance transparency, modernizing operations, integrating new technologies, balancing economic and ecological needs, and fostering public trust in forest management.

Key Details

A recruitment consultant will be engaged to assist in creating the competition terms and candidate assessment criteria. The Board also approved a financial report for the first quarter of 2026 and took note of the company's organizational structure and independent auditor's report for the financial statements covering 2022 to 2024.

Furthermore, the Board mandated an independent audit of the company's financial reporting for 2026 and established auditor selection procedures. A single ERP system aimed at automating and managing the enterprise's resources was also recognized as necessary.

Board member Markiyan Vytvytskyi indicated that preparatory work for implementing this system was complete, which will enhance management quality and reduce risks associated with outdated software.

Why It Matters

This appointment is significant as 'Lis Ukraine' is the largest forestry operator in Ukraine and one of the largest state-owned forestry enterprises in Europe, managing over 6.6 million hectares of forestland and employing more than 22,000 staff. The enterprise plays a crucial role in the national economy and environmental stewardship amidst a backdrop of national reforms.

Successful management and modernization of 'Lis Ukraine' could impact both ecological balance and economic productivity in Ukraine, reflecting the government's vision for sustainable resource management.

Background

The corporatization process for 'Lis Ukraine' was set in motion by a Cabinet of Ministers resolution dated September 7, 2022. Discussions regarding staffing within state enterprises, including 'Lis Ukraine', were held by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with Prime Minister Yuliya Svyrydenko in April 2026, signaling ongoing reforms in the public sector.

This strategic leadership change at 'Lis Ukraine' comes at a time when the enterprise is expected to adapt to modern managerial practices and improve its effectiveness in stewardship of forest resources.