Month: July 2026
On July 10, during an extraordinary meeting, the Supervisory Board of SFE “Forests of Ukraine” considered a number of important governance and leadership matters. Mark Vytvytskyy was elected Chair of the Supervisory Board, while Iryna Hruzinska was elected Deputy Chair. Roberts Strīpnieks was appointed Chair of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, and Janne Harjunpää continues to serve as Chair of the Audit Committee.
Following his election as Chair of the Supervisory Board, Mark Vytvytskyy outlined the principles that will guide the Supervisory Board in its work and shared his vision for the next stages of the Enterprise’s development.
“It is a great honour to have been elected Chair of the Supervisory Board. I sincerely thank my fellow Board members for their trust.
SFE “Forests of Ukraine” is one of Ukraine’s largest state-owned enterprises and is entrusted with managing one of the country’s most valuable natural resources. The enterprise provides employment for thousands of people, contributes billions of hryvnias to the state budget each year, and plays a vital role in Ukraine’s economic resilience, environmental security, and future recovery.
Strong state-owned enterprises begin with strong corporate governance. Ukraine is developing a new culture of governance for state-owned companies — one that is transparent, professional and accountable. SFE “Forests of Ukraine” is among the enterprises undergoing this transformation.
Several years ago, the state forestry sector underwent a major consolidation. More than 150 individual forestry enterprises were merged into a single national company. While this was an important milestone, significant work still lies ahead. We must complete the integration of business processes, harmonise operational standards, strengthen governance systems, and establish a unified corporate culture.
That is why, following the establishment of the independent Supervisory Board, our first priority was to obtain an objective understanding of the enterprise’s current state.
The Supervisory Board initiated a comprehensive independent assessment of the enterprise’s key areas of activity. It comprises six separate audits and reviews, including, for the first time in the enterprise’s history, the engagement of independent external auditors, the strengthening of the internal audit function, and cooperation with the State Audit Service of Ukraine and other competent public authorities.
The objective is to gain a clear picture of the enterprise’s current performance, identify opportunities for improvement, detect risks at an early stage, and establish a solid foundation for its long-term development. We are already receiving the first results, and the management team is developing detailed response plans that include specific actions, responsible owners, implementation timelines, and regular reporting to the Supervisory Board.
One of the first practical outcomes of the independent reviews has been a set of recommendations to strengthen oversight of the management of state-owned assets. The audit confirmed the need for a comprehensive review of the historical formation of certain assets, inventory results, disposal transactions, and the legal registration of property rights.
Having reviewed the audit findings, the Supervisory Board endorsed these recommendations and instructed management to undertake a comprehensive analysis. Pending the completion of the independent asset assessment, the Supervisory Board recommended suspending the disposal of state assets, except where such transactions are required to support Ukraine’s security and defence sector.
The next important milestone will be the launch of an open and professional competition to select a new General Director. However, for the Supervisory Board, this is not the ultimate objective. Our role is not to manage the enterprise’s day-to-day operations. Our task is to ensure that it operates under clear rules, with professional management, an effective control system and high standards of integrity. Such institutions provide stability, development and trust.
Strong individuals matter, but strong institutions matter even more.
Another key strategic milestone will be the corporatization of the enterprise and its transformation into a joint-stock company.
This decision falls within the authority of the State as the owner of the enterprise. Nevertheless, the Supervisory Board is already working closely with the Government, relevant public authorities, and other stakeholders to help prepare this transformation in accordance with international best practices in corporate governance. We are confident that this step will create a strong foundation for the enterprise’s future development, improve operational efficiency, and open new opportunities for attracting investment.
To build a stronger and more modern state-owned enterprise, the Supervisory Board has identified several strategic priorities:
– improve the efficiency of financial resource management through modern management systems, digital solutions, and robust internal controls;
– modernise forestry operations through advanced equipment, digital technologies, and innovation;
– create conditions that encourage investment and strengthen partnerships with the private sector;
– ensure the highest standards of transparency and openness in line with international corporate governance best practices;
– invest in people by establishing a fair remuneration framework, attracting strong managers, and supporting the professional growth of employees; and
– maintain an open and constructive dialogue with employees, government, business, and society, recognizing that trust is the foundation of lasting change.
We recognise that transformation within an enterprise of this scale cannot happen overnight. It is a long-term effort that requires professionalism, consistency, and partnership. No Supervisory Board can achieve this transformation alone. Success depends on close cooperation between the State as the owner, the enterprise’s management, employees, government institutions, business partners, and the international community.
Many challenges still lie ahead. We fully recognise the scale of our responsibility. At the same time, we firmly believe that the future success of SFE “Forests of Ukraine” will depend not on individuals, but on the strength of its institutions, professional governance, and the consistent application of clear rules. This is the path that will transform state-owned enterprises and form foundation of a strong national economy and strengthen public confidence in the State.
After all, trust is built not by words, but by rules and institutions.”
State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine” is opening its doors to young professionals and inviting this year’s graduates of specialized educational institutions to start their careers with us.
The enterprise has created a list of available positions, including more than 660 current vacancies across different regions of Ukraine. This is an opportunity to begin a professional career at the country’s largest forestry enterprise — even without prior work experience.
We are looking for young, motivated specialists who are ready to contribute to the development of the enterprise and Ukraine’s forestry sector.
State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine” offers: official employment, competitive salary, social benefits, professional training and support from experienced mentors during the adaptation period.
Vacancies are available across the regional divisions of State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine” throughout the country. This allows candidates to choose a workplace that matches their professional goals or is located close to their place of residence.
How to apply?
Please send a short CV including your contact phone number, educational background, and preferred employment region to: hr@e-forest.gov.ua
After reviewing applications, our HR specialists will forward candidates’ CVs to the relevant regional divisions, where representatives will contact applicants to discuss employment opportunities and further steps.
For State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine”, attracting young specialists is a strategic investment in the future of the enterprise. We aim to build a strong team of professionals that combines modern knowledge, innovative approaches, and practical experience to support the sustainable development of Ukraine’s forestry sector.
Last month, the “Forest Reproductive Resources” branch completed its sowing campaign, which had been underway since mid-March.
At the first stage, most seeds were sown using an automated sowing line into trays filled with nutrient substrate. The seed trays remained in greenhouses for three to four weeks, where the required microclimate was maintained and automatic irrigation was provided. Once the seedlings became stronger, they were transferred to growing fields, where they are now developing strong root systems and above-ground parts.
The total area allocated for growing seedlings is 3.6 hectares. Scots pine accounts for the largest share of the crops — 2.9 hectares, which will allow the production of around 10 million seedlings of this species. The nurseries are also growing seedlings of Crimean pine, English oak, European larch, Norway spruce, silver fir, European beech, and sycamore maple.
Despite the abnormal heat wave observed several weeks ago, seedling losses were avoided. Automated irrigation systems and balanced mineral nutrition provided young plants with the necessary conditions for development even under high temperatures.
Today, March-sown Scots pine seedlings have already reached an average height growth of around 10 cm, while those sown in June have grown by approximately 5 cm. Several more months of cultivation lie ahead, after which these seedlings will become the foundation for future forests.
What seedling care activities are currently underway?
Protection from heat
During hot days, crops are shaded with special protective nets installed above the growing fields to prevent excessive overheating. Foresters also use automated irrigation systems that provide uniform moisture to the plants. The watering schedule is adjusted depending on air temperature and precipitation levels.
During the extreme heat observed several weeks ago, special attention was given to pine seedlings that had recently been transferred to the growing fields. To support their development and increase resistance to high temperatures, the plants were treated with growth stimulants. These products promote root system formation and help seedlings better withstand challenging weather conditions.
Mineral nutrition
Together with irrigation water, seedlings receive essential nutrients. For this purpose, a fertigation system is used, which automatically adds fertilizers to the water in the required concentration and ensures balanced nutrition for all plants.
Preparation for the forest planting campaign
Before the end of the growing season, the nutrition system is gradually adjusted. In particular, the proportion of potassium in nutrient solutions is increased. This improves plant resistance to low temperatures and ensures better survival rates after transportation and planting in open soil.
Thanks to this cultivation technology, it is possible to produce high-quality planting material with strong survival potential and increased resilience to unfavorable weather conditions. Some of the seedlings grown this spring will already be used during the autumn forest planting campaign, while the rest will be planted next spring.