Dr Vitaliy Lubimov, a Ukrainian national, has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO). This marks the first time a foreign national has been appointed to lead the state-run fish company.

MIFCO confirmed Dr Lubimov’s appointment, stating that he will officially assume his duties tomorrow morning. According to his LinkedIn profile, Dr Lubimov holds a doctorate in public administration and a PhD in economics. He also has over 20 years of experience in crisis management and is an experienced lawyer.

His last position was as Chief Risk Officer at Invest Cross Capital. Prior to that, he served as a professor in the Department of Financial and Economic Security Management at a Ukrainian university and held board membership and advisory roles in various companies.

The CEO position at MIFCO has been vacant since May, following the dismissal of Ahmed Shamah Rasheed on corruption charges. Dr Lubimov’s appointment is expected to bring expertise and fresh leadership to the company.