International Search Launched for New Head of Ukraine's Nuclear Operator Energoatom

Global Recruitment Process Begins

According to Главком: Energoatom's supervisory board has kicked off an international recruitment process to find a new chairman of the board. Consulting firm Korn Ferry has been brought in to ensure independence and alignment with global best practices. Acting CEO Pavlo Kovtonyuk currently leads the company, having taken over after the dismissal of his predecessor, Petro Kotin.

Since early 2026, the supervisory board has been chaired by Rumina Velshi, an international nuclear safety expert. Kovtonyuk, previously the head of the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant, stepped into the role of acting chairman at the end of August 2025. During his tenure in this position, he earned UAH 5.64 million. Energoatom's total payroll expenses surged by over UAH 4.5 billion last year.

Candidate Requirements

Key qualifications for applicants include:

• A proven track record of managing large, capital-intensive organizations;
• Experience working in highly regulated environments;
• Background in energy, defense, or transport infrastructure (preferred);
• Experience driving large-scale organizational transformations;
• Engagement with international financial institutions;
• Fluency in Ukrainian and advanced proficiency in English;
• An impeccable professional reputation;
• Strong personal resilience in crisis situations.

The strategic priorities for the incoming leader will include:

• Ensuring nuclear and radiation safety under martial law;
• Executing major investment projects and advancing Ukraine's nuclear energy development strategy;
• Boosting transparency in corporate governance;
• Improving the company's operational efficiency.

This international search for Energoatom's chairman underscores the urgent need for a strong, seasoned leader as Ukraine's nuclear sector confronts significant challenges, particularly around safety and modernization. The involvement of Korn Ferry aims to uphold high management standards and align with international practices-critical for the industry's future. The new executive's success will hinge on their ability to deliver on these strategic goals amid the country's complex circumstances.

The ongoing recruitment for Energoatom's new chairman comes at a critical time as the company faces significant leadership challenges. Recently, the loss of independent supervisory board members has raised concerns regarding governance and decision-making processes. Understanding the implications of these changes is essential for stakeholders interested in the future of Ukraine's nuclear sector. For more details on this development, see our coverage of the independent board member losses.