SCM is pleased to announce that our energy company, DTEK, has appointed Geoffrey Pyatt as the new Chairman of its Advisory Council. This strategic decision enhances the Council's mission as a forum for independent, high-level guidance on critical issues including energy security, resilience, long-term recovery, and sustainability. Crucially, this appointment reflects the strategy of our shareholder Rinat Akhmetov to build global partnerships for Ukraine's resilience and to ensure best practice corporate governance at every level of our operations.
Ambassador Pyatt will lead the Advisory Council’s efforts to ensure its collective expertise delivers practical and actionable guidance. Externally, he will advocate for the major contribution Ukraine can make to Europe’s energy security and advise DTEK on accelerating the integration of the Ukrainian and EU energy systems.
Bringing over 35 years of expertise in diplomacy and energy policy, Ambassador Pyatt most recently served as the Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources from 2022 to 2025. In this capacity, he led US diplomacy to bolster Ukraine's energy resilience and counter russia's weaponisation of energy resources, securing critical energy partnerships with international allies.
From 2013 to 2016, he served as the US Ambassador to Ukraine during the Revolution of Dignity and the subsequent 2014 russian invasion, giving him a fundamental understanding of the geopolitical landscape.
The Advisory Council brings together exceptional global expertise at a pivotal moment. The appointment was formalised at a recent meeting in London, where members examined the rapidly evolving geopolitical and economic landscape. Discussions focused on strengthening energy security and accelerating investment, highlighting market reforms and privatisation as drivers of modernisation in Ukraine’s energy sector.
This development strongly reinforces the message delivered by DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko during his recent visit to Texas. Addressing international allies, he emphasised that Ukraine is open for energy-related business and actively pursuing potential deals. Rather than viewing the country solely as a risk zone, the global business community must adopt a pragmatic, practical view of the investment opportunities available. Local companies have demonstrated extraordinary dedication by choosing to stay, maintain operations, and invest throughout the ongoing war. DTEK has acquired vital experience in safeguarding infrastructure, managing crises, and executing rapid recovery operations.
The DTEK Advisory Council continues to be a central forum for policymakers, diplomats, and civil society leaders. Current members include Pascal Lamy, Vice-President of the Paris Peace Forum and former Director General of the World Trade Organization; Dr Anders Åslund, a prominent economist specialising in the economic transition of Eastern Europe; Miriam Maes, Co-Chair of the Energy Transition Forum; and Kuninori Matsuda, former Japanese Ambassador to Ukraine.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdansk, Poland, the Council remains focused on supporting Ukraine’s integration into Europe’s energy market, strengthening international connections, and enhancing overall European energy security.