They devoted a significant part of their lives to working at Metinvest's enterprises, building shops, launching production facilities, developing manufacturing processes, training young people, and laying the foundation for future achievements. Even today, in retirement, they remain closely connected to their former enterprises by supporting their teams, sharing their knowledge, and taking part in volunteer initiatives.

It is precisely such people who are awarded the honorary title of "Metinvest Coryphaeus" by Metinvest Group – as a token of gratitude, respect, and recognition of their professional journey. 

The "Metinvest Coryphaeus" award was introduced last year, and the ceremony honouring Metinvest retirees has become a tradition held to mark the Company's Foundation Day. This year, the honorary title was awarded to 39 retirees of Metinvest, bringing the total number of recipients over the past two years to 79.

Among this year's Coryphaei is former Production Director of Zaporizhstal, Andrii Kryvtsov. He devoted 39 years of his life to the metallurgical industry. He began his career at the enterprise in 1985 as a flame cutter in the blooming mill shop. He progressed through all the key stages of his career, serving as a team leader, foreman, and shop manager. He retired two years ago from the position of Production Director of the plant.

Over the years, Andrii Kryvtsov made a significant contribution to improving process efficiency, workplace safety, and product quality. However, what he is most proud of is the achievements of the people he mentored.

"I truly have something to be proud of. Once, when I was a shop manager, I hired a young metal heater. Today, my former trainee is already running the hot rolling mill. For a manager and mentor, that is probably the greatest achievement of all," said Andrii KRYVTSOV.

Similar stories can be found at every enterprise. For many Coryphaei, their lives are defined above all by the years spent working alongside their teams.

Olha Skrypnyk dedicated 36 years to Zaporizhvohnetryv. She began her career at the enterprise in 1987 as a crane operator and later mastered the profession of storekeeper. In 1996, she became head of the finished goods warehouse of the magnesia products shop. Under her leadership, the department repeatedly became one of the best-performing units at the enterprise.

For her, the title of "Metinvest Coryphaeus" is first and foremost about people and memories.

"I am very grateful to the enterprise for such a high honour. Those were the best working years of my life. Today's event is a great recognition of my work and of the experience that I passed on to my colleagues," shared Olha SKRYPNYK.

Yevhenii NIKOLSKYI, who worked at Zaporizhvohnetryv for 42 years, feels the same way: "It is wonderful to know that we are not forgotten and are appreciated. We, in turn, are proud of the younger generation and support them."

This connection between those who helped build and strengthen production and those who continue that work today is the core value of the award. The Coryphaei often emphasise that the honour is not only about personal achievements, but also about the team.

"This award is very important to me. Every year, I meet with my engineering and technical colleagues. Many years have passed, but we still communicate and stay in touch. This award does not belong to me alone – it is also an award for the team with whom I worked for so many years," said Viktor VOLOKH, a Metinvest retiree.

He devoted 31 years to the enterprise, working as a head of the tar distillation shop. During that time, he implemented numerous solutions to automate manufacturing processes.

For many participants, this event became an important emotional occasion. 

Liudmyla PROKOPIEVA, who worked at Metinvest Business Service, said: 

"It came as a wonderful surprise. The ceremony was very solemn; the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The most important thing for us is knowing that we have not been forgotten – that the enterprise to which I devoted almost forty years of my life still remembers me, and that my work has not gone unnoticed."

Liudmyla Prokopieva worked as a leading specialist in the Personnel Service Centre of Metinvest Business Service; she was responsible for payroll and participated in the implementation of new accounting systems. As a mentor, she trained several young HR specialists.

Among this year's Coryphaei are three representatives of Metinvest Machinery. One of them, turner Valentyn Rusinov, worked at the enterprise for 56 years – one of the longest careers in the Company.

"It is wonderful to see again the colleagues with whom I worked for many years. We can talk, remember our working days, and recall our years at the plant. Recently, I picked up my employment record book, and it felt as though my whole life had passed in an instant. It is very important to feel remembered and respected," shared Valentyn RUSINOV. 

Retirees from other enterprises share similar emotions.

Valerii DIULIN, a Coryphaeus from Kamet Steel: "My entire life is connected with the plant: my professional development after university, my career path, and the construction of the burden preparation shop, which I later headed. My beloved grandson also left Kamet Steel to fight in the war and gave his life for us, for Ukraine... In such difficult times, sincere and kind emotions are incredibly important for all of us. And this award encourages me to remain active."

Many Coryphaei have received significant professional distinctions, including 11 ministerial certificates of merit, five honorary titles, the Order of Princess Olha, and dozens of other awards.

Mykola Kozak, who worked at Inhulets Iron Ore for 30 years, also holds Metinvest's highest corporate distinction – the "Metinvest Gold Star".

"I worked as a drilling rig operator at Inhulets open pit mine. I started out as a junior trainee, and within two years I had already been appointed as a team leader. I held this position for seventeen years. Prior to my retirement, I served as a drilling instructor operator. We always got on well with our colleagues, as the team felt like a second family to us. I am still in touch with many of my former colleagues; we volunteer together and support our defenders on the front line," said Mykola KOZAK.

A special place among the Coryphaei is occupied by representatives of labour dynasties. Zoia Pozharska, who worked as assistant to the General Director of Central Iron Ore, heads a family dynasty with a combined work record of 160 years.

"My plant became like a second home to me and I am truly grateful to the people I met along the way. I think of each of them with warmth today. These were wonderful years, and I am fortunate to have worked at Central Iron Ore. I am very grateful to the organisers of the event for bringing us all together. And although I have been retired for two years now, I feel as though I have found my wings again," said Zoia POZHARSKA.

The "Metinvest Coryphaeus" award has already become a cherished tradition held ahead of the Company's Foundation Day, which Metinvest marks in June as its 20th anniversary. It is an opportunity to say a heartfelt "thank you" to those who stood at the origins of the Company and to show that their contribution to its development does not fade with time. Metinvest today – and in the future – stands firmly on the foundation of their experience.

Yuriy RYZHENKOV, Chief Executive Officer of Metinvest Group, in his address to the Coryphaei emphasised:

"Behind you are decades of work and significant professional achievements. It was on the foundation that you laid that the Company grew and strengthened into what it is today – a pillar of support for Ukraine and thousands of Metinvest employees' families. Your experience, dedication, knowledge, and principles became the foundation upon which we rely today and will continue to rely in the future. The title of 'Metinvest Coryphaeus' is our sincere expression of gratitude to you. We thank you. We are proud of you!"