**Ukrenergo Appoints New Head After 10-Month Vacancy**
The Ukrainian state grid operator Ukrenergo has finally found a new head, ending a 10-month period of temporary management. Vitaliy Zaichenko, the company’s current chief dispatcher, has been appointed as its new chief executive officer (CEO), according to Ukrainian media reports on June 23.
The selection process was not without controversy. The supervisory board had struggled with prolonged disputes over the appointment rules, which were changed by the Energy Ministry without consulting European partners. This change required five out of seven supervisory board votes instead of the previous four needed to elect a chairman.
**Critical Role in Ukraine’s Energy Security**
Ukrenergo plays a crucial role in Ukraine’s energy security, especially during wartime when Russian attacks have repeatedly targeted energy infrastructure. The company operates Ukraine’s electricity transmission system and is a member of the European electricity grid network (ENTSO-E). The appointment of Zaichenko comes at a time when the country needs stable leadership to protect its energy assets.
**Selection Process Complicated by Rule Changes**
The supervisory board’s June 4 attempt to elect a new CEO failed due to conflict with the Energy Ministry. The EBRD threatened to block 141 million euros ($152 million) in funding and demand early repayment of 533 million euros ($574 million) already received over the rule changes.
**Former CEO Volodymyr Kudrytskyi’s Dismissal**
The current vacancy began on September 2, 2024, when former Ukrenergo CEO Volodymyr Kudrytskyi was dismissed after President Volodymyr Zelensky called for his resignation over alleged failures to protect substations from Russian missiles and drones. Kudrytskyi disputed this account, saying he initiated the supervisory board meeting himself.
**Supervisory Board Chairman’s Resignation**
Following Kudrytskyi’s dismissal, supervisory board chairman Daniel Dobbeni and member Peder Andersen resigned early, citing political pressure in personnel decisions.
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