Olexiy Parkhomchuk, 33 years, advisor, Kiev advisory office, Ukraine.
When Olexiy goes to work, he feels that he is helping Ukraine move forward by making investment projects possible and moving Ukrainian business closer to European standards, enhancing prosperity in Ukraine.
“As IØ is part of a governmental institution we are managing public money – therefore they have to be invested in projects making a difference.” Olexiy, who has his masters in project management, thus finds it very fulfilling to be able to combine his professional skills with ideals of progress. “On the one hand the fund is making a difference in Ukraine by transferring knowledge and technology and exchanging business culture. On the other hand it is fulfilling to see, that the transfers are welcomed with pleasure. We experience different cultural and language barriers but they are overcome.”
He enjoys not only the difference being made through IØ, but also the professional possibilities of getting acquainted with different business models, sizes, investment amounts and Danish partners that show different investment strategies. Through this he gets a wider business expertise, which he can then apply on new projects.
Olexiy already had quite some experience with the field before coming to IØ as he has been employed with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Kiev as well as with the International Finance Corporation. At IØ, Olexiy is bringing his experience to bear on the initial project development phase and project management. He participates in assessing and initiating projects as well as monitoring various projects. In rare cases Olexiy together with other investment officers has to interfere if the project is on a questionable course.
“In these tasks the Fund needs somebody with local experience, local education and local expertise. It is important to be able to translate not only the language, but also the culture in terms of attitudes and intentions.”
Not only does Olexiy feel that he is helping to provide financial progress but also progress within the business culture. CSR is a good example: “Sometimes corporate social responsibilities are perceived in Ukraine as unimportant. Then we have to explain, that they are highly important to us with regard to the environment, the local community, the employees and the consumers. CSR is in this sense a good example for making also a cultural difference.”
Employed in IØ: since March 2007
Mini-CV: Master in project management, consultant at Corporate Finance with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Kiev and project team leader with the International Finance Corporation.