Kyiv Post News

Business Person of the Year KyivPost's Best of Kyiv 2009: Philippe D’Have

You may not have heard of Belgian native Philippe D’Have. But if you’re a woman, you are likely to have purchased something from L’Oreal, the international cosmetics giant whose business D’Have heads in Ukraine.

And while many businesses downsized during the economic recession in 2009, under D’Have’s management, L’Oreal is one of the few strong companies that seized the moment. They capitalized on the crisis by expanding business.

In 2009 compared to 2008, D’Have said L’Oreal posted a 15 percent increase in unit sales in Ukraine, a 40 percent increase in turnover (in hryvnia) on top of a 25 percent increase in price, which was unavoidable in light of the hryvnia devaluation.

While some competitors cut advertising, promotions and sales expansion strategies, L’Oreal increased it.

D’Have, who also heads L’Oreal’s business in much of the CIS region with the exception of Russia, said the strategy paid off. The changes preserved the group’s margin while increasing market share by an estimated 2 percent, to 15 percent.

Boasting of the group’s success, D’Have said there was “no crisis in Ukraine for L’Oreal” because the group “took a risk.”

“We have continued to recruit people,” D’Have said. The L’Oreal group, he said, plans to increase its workforce in Ukraine in the near term from about 180 to 200 individuals.
Jan 29, 2010 at 19:24
The Spirit of Kyiv KyivPost's Best of Kyiv 2009: Curtis ‘B.J.’ Bjelajac

Someone who is pleasant in manner and quick with a smile, visible in the community and active in helping the neediest – these are the traits the Kyiv Post searched for in giving its first-ever Spirit of Kyiv Award. The ancient capital is fortunate to have many worthy candidates, but the Kyiv Post chose Curtis “B.J.” Bjelajac as the first recipient.


Bjelajac says the spirit of Kyiv means “doing what you can to help others.” That is what he did as Kyiv Lions Club president in the past year. Club members said that, under Bjelajac’s leadership, the service organization did more than in many previous years, despite the recession.

The Lions Club helps children, elderly and handicapped. It also promotes international understanding. “My association with the club is a natural extension of my desire to help others,” Bjelajac said.

Bjelajac, 41, came to Ukraine in 1997 from America in order to help Ukraine in its transition to a market economy. He is married and has a daughter. He works as chief financial officer for The Science and Technology Center, an organization that seeks to halt the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Kyiv Lions Club meetings are held every second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. in Golden Gate Pub, 15 Zolotovoritska St., with more information at http://goldengatepubkiev.com. The Kyiv Lions Club website is: www.kyivlionsclub.org.
Jan 29, 2010 at 18:53
Best Night Spot KyivPost's Best of Kyiv 2009: Shooters
Jan 29, 2010 at 17:56
Best Restaurant KyivPost's Best of Kyiv 2009: Concord
Jan 29, 2010 at 17:53
Best Wine Boutique KyivPost's Best of Kyiv 2009:Good Wine
Jan 29, 2010 at 17:49
Best Sports Facilities KyivPost's Best of Kyiv 2009: 5th Element
Jan 29, 2010 at 17:47
Best Insurance Company KyivPost's Best of Kyiv 2009: AXA Insurance
Jan 29, 2010 at 17:44
Best Private Health Service KyivPost's Best of Kyiv 2009:Boris
Jan 29, 2010 at 17:42
Best Local and International School KyivPost's Best of Kyiv 2009: Kyiv International School
Jan 29, 2010 at 17:40
Best Hotel KyivPost's Best of Kyiv 2009: Hyatt Regency Kyiv
Jan 29, 2010 at 17:36
Best Passenger Airline KyivPost's Best of Kyiv 2009: Ukraine Internationa lAirlines
Jan 29, 2010 at 17:34
Best Car Rental Company KyivPost's Best of Kyiv 2009: Avis
Jan 29, 2010 at 17:31
Best Car Sales Dealer KyivPost's Best of Kyiv 2009: Winner Automotive
Jan 29, 2010 at 17:28
Best Freight/ Forwarding Companies KyivPost's Best of Kyiv 2009: DHL Freight
Jan 29, 2010 at 17:13
Best Express Couriers/ Messengers KyivPost's Best of Kyiv 2009: DHL Express
Jan 29, 2010 at 17:09