Herman Smetanin returns as a CEO of Ukroboronprom

On 20 August, the supervisory board of Ukroboronprom announced the results of the competition for the position of CEO. The new — yet returning — chief executive is Herman Smetanin, former Minister for Strategic Industries, who had already headed Ukroboronprom before joining the government.

A total of 14 candidates took part in the competition, with the selection and evaluation carried out by the international company Odgers Berndtson. The decision to appoint Smetanin was made after final interviews with shortlisted candidates following the preliminary selection.

“Herman Smetanin has gained unique experience and has an in-depth knowledge of both the internal processes of enterprises and the organisation of the defence industry at the governmental level. This set of knowledge and skills makes it possible to effectively manage the current operations of Ukroboronprom, as well as to have a strategic vision for the further development of the sector,” noted David Lomdzharia, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Ukroboronprom.

Smetanin led Ukroboronprom from July 2023 to September 2024. During his tenure, the state concern was transformed into a joint-stock company. On 5 September last year, the Verkhovna Rada appointed him Minister for Strategic Industries.

On 21 July 2025, the government decided to liquidate the Ministry for Strategic Industries and transfer its functions to the Ministry of Defence. Just days earlier, Smetanin announced his resignation. Among his key achievements as minister, he highlighted the expansion of defence production, the removal of the state monopoly on arms manufacturing, the development of the missile programme, the introduction of affordable loans for defence producers, and the localisation of weapons production.