The event brought together 38 representatives from Ukrainian companies across various sectors of the economy to discuss the macroeconomic situation, geopolitical challenges, and effective business management practices. In the "Insights for CEOs" section, the focus was on the challenges and prospects for 2025.
With the onset of the full-scale war, "Metinvest" identified three main priorities: ensuring the safety of employees and supporting people in conflict zones, maintaining production capacities, and the survival of the company, as explained by Myronenko. Based on these principles, the group developed its own system for organizing work.
"The most harrowing experience we had was in Mariupol. We evacuated people from the besieged city, relocating them to Zaporizhzhia, Kamenskoye, Kryvyi Rih, and we tried to adapt and employ them in active enterprises," said Alexander Myronenko.
In Kryvyi Rih, the company suspended operations at facilities near the front line and evacuated workers. In Zaporizhzhia, "Metinvest" implemented a similar protocol, and in Avdiivka, the plant operated until the summer of 2022, when the front line approached the city. Currently, the company is focusing on Pokrovsk: every two weeks, management visits local enterprises to support the staff.
To preserve its workforce and production capabilities, the company developed its own safety protocols. The production of military supplies, such as shelters, anti-mine trailers, and other necessary items, was organized in separate areas outside the main facilities to reduce risks for workers.
Myronenko emphasized that the key traits of business leaders are the courage to make quick decisions and take responsibility for them, as each decision can affect both production matters and people's lives. Additionally, to foster a culture of self-improvement among top management, it is important to consider employee initiatives and be open to their opinions.