Artem Konik Takes the Helm as Philip Morris Ukraine’s New General Manager
Philip Morris has named Artem Konik as its new general manager for Ukraine, succeeding Maksym Barabash, who has been promoted to vice president of Philip Morris International (PMI) for the European region. Konik, a company veteran with over two decades of experience, brings deep insight into both the business and local market dynamics. This marks only the third time in Philip Morris’s more than 30-year presence in Ukraine that a Ukrainian national has been appointed to lead the local operations.
Barabash, who had overseen Philip Morris’s business in Ukraine and Moldova since 2022, praised his successor, describing Konik as
“a strong leader with a profound understanding of the business, the market, and the team.”He highlighted Konik’s substantial contributions over the years to transforming the commercial function and to launching and scaling the distribution of Philip Morris’s innovative product lines. The appointment aligns with the company’s broader strategy of nurturing internal talent capable of steering the business forward, even amid challenging conditions.
Commenting on his new role, Artem Konik stated:
“It is a great honor to lead Philip Morris in Ukraine, especially during such difficult times. My key priorities include ensuring business growth despite the war, developing new platforms where we see leadership potential, and shaping the future of our business by advancing new categories and transforming consumption patterns.”
Philip Morris’s Tax Contributions in Ukraine
In 2025, the company paid 58.5 billion hryvnias in taxes to the state budget. Since the onset of the full-scale war, Philip Morris has contributed approximately 190 billion hryvnias in total taxes. These payments come from two legal entities:
- PrAT Philip Morris Ukraine
- TOV Philip Morris Sales and Distribution
Philip Morris’s Investment Figures in Ukraine
Since 2022, Philip Morris has invested over $70 million into Ukraine’s economy. Cumulatively, since entering the Ukrainian market, the company has poured in more than $770 million. These numbers underscore the firm’s resilience and long-term commitment to Ukraine, even as it navigates a turbulent operating environment.
The appointment of Artem Konik as general manager represents a strategic milestone for Philip Morris, reinforcing its dedication to local leadership and economic support. Given his extensive experience and market knowledge, Konik is well-positioned to drive new initiatives that could sustain business growth during wartime. This move also signals the company’s continued willingness to invest in Ukraine’s economy despite ongoing challenges. With its significant tax payments and investments, Philip Morris remains a steadfast economic partner, which could have a positive ripple effect on the broader business climate in the country.