Ukrainian Retail Pioneer Receives Prestigious Quality Mark Award in the USA
Written by: Jessica Miller, Brainz Magazine
People look up to Serhii Perekrest as a top-level manager in the retail industry. Throughout his career, he has always pushed for operational success and systemic innovation. With a Master's degree in Organizational Management and Administration, he started his career in the vibrant retail sector of Ukraine. He quickly rose through the ranks, going from a store-level manager to a top-tier operational leader within Fozzy Group, which is one of the major retail conglomerates in Eastern Europe. The period of time that he served as Chief Operating Officer of the "Thrash!" grocery chain was a period of dramatic transition. During this time, he transformed a failing business into a national leader. Serhii is currently putting his expertise to use in the United States, where he is continuing to design the future of retail. He is demonstrating that a truly effective system is not limited by national boundaries.
Recently, Serhii Perekrest, a retail executive from Ukraine, received the coveted National Quality Mark Award in recognition of his transformative leadership and creative operational strategies. We had a conversation with Serhii about his path from completely revamping a large grocery chain in Ukraine to applying best practices in the fiercely competitive U.S. market.
Congratulations on your National Quality Mark Award, Serhii! For you personally, what does this recognition mean?
Thank you. Above all, this award serves as a testament to the fact that my strategy is effective outside of a particular nation or business. It is an acknowledgement of my philosophy, which is based on creating systems that are reliable, efficient, and focused on people. I have always believed that a methodical, data-driven approach and unwavering accountability can produce outstanding results in any market environment, whether it's Ukraine or the U.S. This award is a great honor and a validation that we are moving in the right direction.
Your path to this award began in Ukraine, where you led the impressive transformation of the "Thrash!" grocery chain. You turned a loss-making company into a profitable one and expanded it. What was the secret?
There was no secret; there was a system. We didn't just open stores; we conducted deep, systemic reforms. For instance, one of the key projects was implementing an AI-powered security system. This wasn't just about cameras—it was about advanced analytics that allowed us to reduce product losses from a high of 1.8% of turnover to a record low of 0.7%. That has a direct impact on profitability.
You're also known for developing new operational models. It’s said your checklists for opening new stores became a standard that even competitors began to copy.
Yes, that's right. We standardized everything we could. For example, we developed and streamlined operational models for our in-store bakeries, which significantly reduced waste while increasing productivity. When your internal documents and processes become an industry standard, it's the best validation of their value.
Perhaps most striking is that you managed to ensure the operational stability of the entire network after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. How was that possible?
That was the greatest challenge of my career. We had to completely reorganize logistics, constantly maintain team morale, and keep stores open and stocked even in high-risk regions. It required making instant yet well-calculated decisions. The main goal was to protect our team and ensure people had access to food. It was a stress test for the entire system we had built over the years, and it held up.
In 2023, you moved to the U.S. and took on the role of Chief Retail Officer at Mars Supermarkets (Euroland). What challenges did you face adapting your experience to the American market?
The American market is highly competitive, but the principles of efficiency are universal. At Mars Supermarkets, a chain specializing in European products, my task is to implement European best practices. I am currently focused on building a new, scalable operational architecture. We are implementing advanced systems for inventory management, department-based motivation, and customer feedback.
You also consult on new projects, such as the launch of the Kolos USA supermarket. What does this say about the demand for your approach?
It shows that my experience and strategic vision are flexible and applicable in different formats. I help new players avoid common mistakes and build sustainable processes from the ground up. It confirms that a systemic approach is valuable not only for transforming existing chains but also for creating successful projects from scratch.
In conclusion, what do you consider your greatest strength as a leader?
I am not just an executive; I am an architect of systems. My goal is to create processes and structures that work consistently, effectively, and bring value to both the company and the people—both employees and customers. The Quality Mark Award is a recognition of this very approach, and I am grateful for such a high appraisal of my work.
