Philip Morris Ukraine CEO Barabash appointed PMI Vice President for Europe, Konik to replace him
Maksym Barabash, who has headed Philip Morris operations in Ukraine and Moldova since 2022, has been appointed Vice President of Philip Morris International (PMI) for Europe. Artem Konik, who has worked at Philip Morris for more than 20 years and has extensive managerial experience across various business functions, has been appointed CEO in Ukraine.
"Konik is a strong leader with a deep understanding of the business, the market, and the team. Over the years at the company, he has made a significant contribution to the transformation of the commercial function, as well as to the launch and development of distribution for Philip Morris’ innovative products," Barabash was quoted as saying in a press release on Monday.
He added that such appointments are part of a strategy to develop internal leaders who have a strong understanding of the business.
Konik has held senior positions in business planning, marketing, and commercial operations.
In his new role, Barabash will be responsible for a cluster that includes Ukraine, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Moldova. He will also remain head of strategic projects for the Ukrainian market.
According to the press release, this is only the third case in more than 30 years of Philip Morris operations in Ukraine where a Ukrainian has been appointed CEO of the company.
"Among my key tasks are to ensure business growth even in wartime conditions, develop new platforms where we see potential for leadership, and shape the future of our business through the development of new categories and changes in consumption approaches," Konik commented on his appointment.
Philip Morris International (PMI) is among the leading players in the tobacco market. The company has stated that its goal is to build a smoke-free future and is developing its portfolio for the long term beyond tobacco and nicotine products. As of the end of 2025, PMI’s smoke-free products were available for sale in 105 countries, used by 43 million adult consumers, and the smoke-free business accounted for approximately 41.5% of the company’s total net revenue.
Philip Morris Ukraine has been operating in the Ukrainian market since 1994. According to the company, it has invested more than $750 million in Ukraine’s economy since then, including $70 million since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, and in 2025, together with Philip Morris Sales and Distribution LLC, paid UAH 58.5 billion in taxes in Ukraine.
