EXPERT COUNCIL
The Expert Council of the Ukrainian HoReCa Cluster brings together leading professionals from various fields — economics, industrial policy, international marketing, hotel development, tourism, innovation, and digital transformation. Their extensive experience and strategic vision form the foundation for industry development, implementation of innovative solutions, and strengthening the position of Ukrainian businesses in the global market.
Natalia Tabaka
Natalia has extensive experience in developing and implementing national and regional tourism programs and is an initiator of reforms in tourism services and state support for the hospitality sector.
She coordinated international campaigns promoting Ukrainian tourism products, integrating principles of sustainability and accessibility into sector strategies. Her expertise is key to ensuring effective synergy between HoReCa and tourism policy in Ukraine.
Andriy Dligach
One of the key architects of the state’s modern economic strategy, a mentor for cluster initiatives in the woodworking, agricultural, and IT sectors, and a leader of the Board business community. He has over 20 years of experience in strategic consulting for businesses, government, and international programs (EU4Business, GIZ, USAID). He is the author and facilitator of cluster development methodologies that formed the foundation of modern Ukrainian clusters, including WoodHouse.
An expert in systemic transformations, future modeling, crisis management, and stakeholder management. His vision and approaches shape long-term sustainable growth strategies for HoReCa and other industries. A regular speaker at international forums, business school lecturer, and columnist.
Natalia Havatyuk
She has extensive experience in executive government, specializing in public-private partnerships, investment attraction, SME support, and international cooperation. She actively supports initiatives to modernize regional infrastructure, as well as the development of tourism and the hospitality sector.
She oversees the development of the HoReCa sector in the Kyiv region — from support programs to the promotion of regional products and services. She represents the region in interdepartmental working groups, participates in planning strategies for recovery and economic growth, and promotes innovative development models through cross-sector cooperation, export, and clustering.
Artem Prykhodko
Has over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including serving as General Manager of InterContinental Kyiv. Implemented innovative service standards, crisis and anti-crisis operational models, and actively integrates global best practices into the local market.
Artem is a regular expert at international conferences and a member of strategic councils within industry associations. He specializes in hotel asset management, operational process optimization, and strategic hotel business development under conditions of uncertainty and high competition.
Eduard Rezhinsky
He has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including managing international brand hotels and implementing modern service standards. Under his leadership, Maestro Hotel Management has completed dozens of successful projects involving the opening and restructuring of various hotel formats — from business hotels to resort complexes.
He advises owners and developers on development strategies, operations optimization, revenue management, and the implementation of technological solutions in the HoReCa sector. A regular speaker at industry forums and conferences, and a member of professional boards in the hotel business. His core expertise lies in maximizing the profitability and competitiveness of hotel assets.
Maria Adonina
Has over 15 years of experience launching, scaling, and providing legal support for franchise projects in HoReCa, retail, and service companies. Has advised dozens of Ukrainian and international brands on market entry strategies, franchise adaptation to local conditions, and building win-win relationships between franchisors and franchisees.
Regular speaker at industry conferences and author of publications on franchising in the restaurant and hotel business. Main expertise lies in preparing businesses for scaling and investment readiness through franchising.
Yaroslav Yaroslavsky
Yaroslav is the COO of CodEra, a platform that helps developers and companies attract investments through innovative IT solutions. He has extensive experience in developing proptech and AI startups, serves as a mentor in international acceleration programs, and invests in climate and digital technology projects. He specializes in creating AI strategies for business process automation, implementing big data tools, and optimizing asset management. As an advisor and CBDO, he collaborates with international teams in the USA, Europe, and UAE.
Regular speaker at industry forums, he is also the author of analytical reviews on the application of AI, automation, and innovation in HoReCa, real estate, and investment sectors.
Yevgeny Komarov
Yevgeny is the founder, speaker, and moderator of the educational and applied project for hoteliers and restaurateurs — Support HoReCa. He serves as Head of the Legal Committee of the Ukrainian Restaurant Association, Board Member of the Ukrainian Hookah Association, member of the Coordination Council of the Kyiv City Tourism Department, member of the Supervisory Board, volunteer and fundraiser at the Blagomay Charity Foundation, Deputy Head of the Institute for Reintegration, Rehabilitation, and Professional Development of Veterans “Architecture of Sustainability,” and member of the “Charity Gastrodinners” team.
He has extensive experience in commercial law, specializing in regulatory frameworks, protecting entrepreneurs’ interests, and establishing legal structures for the development of restaurant and hotel businesses. Yevgeny actively participates in industry initiatives, speaks at professional forums, and authors numerous recommendations on legal matters for HoReCa operators amid transformations and new challenges. His expertise is vital for implementing legal standards, fostering industry self-regulation, and advocating for HoReCa business interests in dialogue with the state.
Oleksandr Sokolov
Oleksandr leads and mentors analytical and research projects for hotels, restaurants, producers, and service companies in HoReCa. He is the author of numerous industry studies, a regular speaker at professional forums and hospitality conferences, and an expert in implementing data-driven business approaches and developing export strategies. He has extensive experience in conducting market research, analyzing markets, preparing investment proposals, and evaluating competitive advantages for Ukrainian and international companies.
He specializes in market analysis, go-to-market strategy development, supporting analytical research in export projects, and creating investment packages for the HoReCa ecosystem. Actively involved in industry initiatives, he collaborates with specialized committees and associations and serves as an expert partner in cluster development projects. His expertise enables the preparation of comprehensive analytical products for strategic decision-making, business scaling, and enhancing the international competitiveness of Ukrainian hospitality players.
