Oleg Chykida:
strategic thinking, business development and ZPEK during the war
Oleg Chykida:
strategic thinking, business development and ZPEK during the war
Why strategy has become more important than quick decisions
Full-scale war has radically changed the business environment in Ukraine. Companies have faced not only shrinking markets but also the need to practically rebuild their supply chains from scratch, seek out new suppliers, reorient imports and exports, and review their financial models and investment priorities.
In such circumstances, the key competitive advantage has become not just the speed of response to individual challenges, but the ability to think strategically. It is precisely long-term planning that has enabled many Ukrainian companies not only to adapt to the new realities, but also to lay the foundations for further development.
According to Oleg Chikida, a Ukrainian entrepreneur, co-owner and CEO of the ZPEK group of companies, modern business can no longer focus exclusively on short-term financial results. Investments in infrastructure, logistics, team development and international partnerships are becoming the foundation of resilience.
The experience that shaped his entrepreneurial approach
Oleg Chikida’s approach to business development has taken shape over more than twenty years of practical experience. During this time, he has progressed from managing large corporate structures to implementing his own entrepreneurial projects.
His work with the ‘Continuum’ group, his involvement in the asset management of UkrLandFarming and ‘Avangard’, and the development of wood processing, industrial chemicals, retail and property development projects have enabled him to develop a comprehensive approach to business management.
Each new area of activity built on his previous experience, broadening his managerial skills and deepening his understanding of the specific characteristics of various sectors of the economy.
Full-scale war has radically changed the business environment in Ukraine. Companies have faced not only shrinking markets but also the need to practically rebuild their supply chains from scratch, seek out new suppliers, reorient imports and exports, and review their financial models and investment priorities.
In such circumstances, the key competitive advantage has become not just the speed of response to individual challenges, but the ability to think strategically. It is precisely long-term planning that has enabled many Ukrainian companies not only to adapt to the new realities, but also to lay the foundations for further development.
According to Oleg Chikida, a Ukrainian entrepreneur, co-owner and CEO of the ZPEK group of companies, modern business can no longer focus exclusively on short-term financial results. Investments in infrastructure, logistics, team development and international partnerships are becoming the foundation of resilience.
The experience that shaped his entrepreneurial approach
Oleg Chikida’s approach to business development has taken shape over more than twenty years of practical experience. During this time, he has progressed from managing large corporate structures to implementing his own entrepreneurial projects.
His work with the ‘Continuum’ group, his involvement in the asset management of UkrLandFarming and ‘Avangard’, and the development of wood processing, industrial chemicals, retail and property development projects have enabled him to develop a comprehensive approach to business management.
Each new area of activity built on his previous experience, broadening his managerial skills and deepening his understanding of the specific characteristics of various sectors of the economy.
Oleg Chykida is a Ukrainian entrepreneur, co-owner and chief executive of the ZPEK Group of Companies
Infrastructure as a strategic investment
One of the key principles upheld by Oleg Chykida is the view that infrastructure is a long-term investment rather than a secondary aspect of business.
Events in recent years have confirmed the validity of this approach. Companies that invested in their own transport, logistics capacity and alternative supply routes in good time were able to adapt to the new conditions much more quickly.
Today, infrastructure is not just about warehouses or transport. It encompasses international logistics routes, cooperation with carriers and terminals, digital supply chain management systems, and the ability to swiftly adapt business processes in line with market conditions.
That is precisely why, Oleg Chykida is convinced, investment in infrastructure should not be postponed until more favourable times – it shapes the company’s future competitive advantage.
How logistics in the Ukrainian fuel market have changed
The fuel sector was one of the first to feel the effects of the full-scale war. After losing their traditional supply channels, Ukrainian companies had to build a new logistics system practically from scratch.
Whilst a significant proportion of imports had come from the east until 2022, the European Union countries – Poland, Lithuania, Romania and others – subsequently became the main partners.
Under these new conditions, logistics efficiency became a key factor for success. It was not enough simply to find a supplier – it was necessary to ensure the stable transport of goods and effective coordination with the railways, road hauliers, terminals and customs authorities.
ZPEK as an example of systematic development
The development of the ZPEK group of companies under the leadership of Oleg Chikida demonstrates the practical application of a strategic approach to management.
The company has consistently invested in the development of its own fleet of petrol tankers, rail logistics, and partnerships with European terminals and international traders. This has enabled the company to establish new supply routes and ensure operational stability even during periods of extreme turbulence in the fuel market.
At the same time, one of the key outcomes has been the creation of its own logistics model, which enhances the business’s resilience to external risks and ensures flexibility in working with international partners.
One of the key principles upheld by Oleg Chykida is the view that infrastructure is a long-term investment rather than a secondary aspect of business.
Events in recent years have confirmed the validity of this approach. Companies that invested in their own transport, logistics capacity and alternative supply routes in good time were able to adapt to the new conditions much more quickly.
Today, infrastructure is not just about warehouses or transport. It encompasses international logistics routes, cooperation with carriers and terminals, digital supply chain management systems, and the ability to swiftly adapt business processes in line with market conditions.
That is precisely why, Oleg Chykida is convinced, investment in infrastructure should not be postponed until more favourable times – it shapes the company’s future competitive advantage.
How logistics in the Ukrainian fuel market have changed
The fuel sector was one of the first to feel the effects of the full-scale war. After losing their traditional supply channels, Ukrainian companies had to build a new logistics system practically from scratch.
Whilst a significant proportion of imports had come from the east until 2022, the European Union countries – Poland, Lithuania, Romania and others – subsequently became the main partners.
Under these new conditions, logistics efficiency became a key factor for success. It was not enough simply to find a supplier – it was necessary to ensure the stable transport of goods and effective coordination with the railways, road hauliers, terminals and customs authorities.
ZPEK as an example of systematic development
The development of the ZPEK group of companies under the leadership of Oleg Chikida demonstrates the practical application of a strategic approach to management.
The company has consistently invested in the development of its own fleet of petrol tankers, rail logistics, and partnerships with European terminals and international traders. This has enabled the company to establish new supply routes and ensure operational stability even during periods of extreme turbulence in the fuel market.
At the same time, one of the key outcomes has been the creation of its own logistics model, which enhances the business’s resilience to external risks and ensures flexibility in working with international partners.
According to Oleg Chikida, a Ukrainian entrepreneur, co-owner and CEO of the ZPEK group of companies, modern business can no longer focus exclusively on short-term financial results.
International partnerships as a driver of development
Since 2022, the integration of Ukrainian businesses into the European economic area has accelerated significantly. For many companies, international partnerships are no longer a separate area of development but have become a prerequisite for competitiveness.
The practice of cooperating with European suppliers confirms that the modern market is increasingly based on trust, transparency and the responsible fulfilment of contractual obligations. Alongside the development of logistics and investment in infrastructure, it is precisely these factors that will determine the position of Ukrainian companies in the coming years.
Strategic thinking as an investment in the future
The experience of Ukrainian business in recent years shows that even under the most challenging conditions, it is possible not only to keep a company afloat but also to lay the foundations for its future development.
According to Oleg Chikida, the competitiveness of the Ukrainian economy will depend on the ability of entrepreneurs to think long-term, to invest in their own infrastructure, international partnerships, modern technologies and the development of human capital. It is precisely these decisions that will determine the country’s economic future once the war is over.
Who is Oleg Chykida?
Oleg Chykida was born in the village of Liubeshiv in the Volyn Oblast to a family of teachers. He obtained his higher education at the Faculty of Law of the Lesya Ukrainka Volyn State University.
He began his entrepreneurial career in the early 2000s. At various times, he worked for the ‘Kontinium’ group, was involved in the asset management of UkrLandFarming and ‘Avangard’, and developed his own retail business in Volyn, as well as woodworking operations and industrial chemicals and disinfectants businesses as part of the Trademark Group.
Since 2022, he has been a co-owner and Chief Executive Officer of the ZPEK Group of Companies. Under his leadership, the company is expanding its international logistics operations, investing in transport infrastructure and collaborating with European partners in the petroleum products market.
Since 2022, the integration of Ukrainian businesses into the European economic area has accelerated significantly. For many companies, international partnerships are no longer a separate area of development but have become a prerequisite for competitiveness.
The practice of cooperating with European suppliers confirms that the modern market is increasingly based on trust, transparency and the responsible fulfilment of contractual obligations. Alongside the development of logistics and investment in infrastructure, it is precisely these factors that will determine the position of Ukrainian companies in the coming years.
Strategic thinking as an investment in the future
The experience of Ukrainian business in recent years shows that even under the most challenging conditions, it is possible not only to keep a company afloat but also to lay the foundations for its future development.
According to Oleg Chikida, the competitiveness of the Ukrainian economy will depend on the ability of entrepreneurs to think long-term, to invest in their own infrastructure, international partnerships, modern technologies and the development of human capital. It is precisely these decisions that will determine the country’s economic future once the war is over.
Who is Oleg Chykida?
Oleg Chykida was born in the village of Liubeshiv in the Volyn Oblast to a family of teachers. He obtained his higher education at the Faculty of Law of the Lesya Ukrainka Volyn State University.
He began his entrepreneurial career in the early 2000s. At various times, he worked for the ‘Kontinium’ group, was involved in the asset management of UkrLandFarming and ‘Avangard’, and developed his own retail business in Volyn, as well as woodworking operations and industrial chemicals and disinfectants businesses as part of the Trademark Group.
Since 2022, he has been a co-owner and Chief Executive Officer of the ZPEK Group of Companies. Under his leadership, the company is expanding its international logistics operations, investing in transport infrastructure and collaborating with European partners in the petroleum products market.
In addition to managing the business, Oleg Chykida participates in specialist conferences and industry forums dedicated to the development of the fuel market, logistics, energy security and international economic cooperation.