On 18 February 2026, during the annual report presentation of the NGO "Heart of Azovstal", it was announced that Kseniia Sukhova will take over as the head of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation. The official appointment is scheduled to be finalised in the coming weeks. This leadership transition represents a pivotal moment in the history of the organisation, signalling a comprehensive renewal of the Foundation's structure and strategic direction.
Rinat Akhmetov, SCM shareholder and the Founder of the Foundation, commented on the necessity of this evolution. "20 years ago I created the Foundation so as not to leave people in Ukraine alone with their troubles, to systematically solve the problems of those who need help," he said. "Over these 20 years, the Foundation has helped millions of Ukrainians. To be effective, the Foundation must change. Change its scale, its programmes, its approaches."
A Unified Centre for Charity
Mr Akhmetov outlined a clear vision for the future, mandating the Foundation to become the central hub for all SCM charity work. A critical component of this new mission is to serve as the centre for programmes supporting the defenders of Ukraine.
The first step in this strategic transformation will be the integration of the Foundation with "Heart of Azovstal". For the past three years, this project has been dedicated to assisting the veterans and defenders of Mariupol. Bringing these entities together is intended to amplify their collective impact and streamline operations.
"This decision is primarily dictated by our deep gratitude and respect for those who stood up for the defence of Ukraine and paid a high price for it, so I want to strengthen our contribution to their recovery," Mr Akhmetov explained. Addressing the team, he added, "I sincerely wish the entire Foundation team inspiration, unity and internal strength. May every decision you make come from the heart, giving people hope and faith in a better future."
Leadership Changes and Future Goals
To assume her new responsibilities as Director General of the Foundation, Kseniia Sukhova will leave her current post as Director of the NGO "Heart of Azovstal". Tetiana Maltseva has been named as the new Director of the organisation.
In her new role, Kseniia Sukhova will focus on three primary objectives:
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The development and implementation of an updated programme strategy for the Foundation, covering operations both within Ukraine and internationally.
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The unification of expertise and resources between the Foundation and "Heart of Azovstal" to ensure the effectiveness of programmes and significantly increase social influence.
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The creation of a comprehensive partner ecosystem around the Foundation.
Adapting to a Changing World
The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation traditionally updates its strategy every ten years to adapt to the profound shifts in society and the country. This latest renewal is specifically aimed at fostering greater coordination and synergy between all humanitarian initiatives founded by Rinat Akhmetov. By consolidating efforts, the Foundation aims to address the challenges of the ongoing war more effectively and provide robust support to those who need it most.
