DKHV and UNIKA Appoint Dr. Illya Kolba as Joint Managing Director

The German Potato Trade Association (DKHV) and the Union of the German Potato Industry (UNIKA) welcome Dr. Illya Kolba (40) as their new joint managing director. He will assume the position on August 1, 2026, and will represent the interests of the German potato industry to policymakers, businesses, and the public, together with the governing bodies of both associations. 

With Dr. Kolba, DKHV and UNIKA gain an experienced expert in political communication, public affairs, and association management. He joins from OVID, the Association of the Oilseed Processing Industry in Germany, where he has worked for more than seven years as Manager of Public Relations and Public Affairs. There, he was responsible for key tasks related to political advocacy, committee work, and strategic association communication at the national and EU levels.

Olaf Feuerborn, Chairman of UNIKA, and Thomas Herkenrath, President of the DKHV:

"With Dr. Illya Kolba, we are gaining a proven expert in political communication, association work, and agricultural policy. He combines strategic thinking with a clear understanding of the concerns of our member companies. His experience in representing interests at the national and European levels will enrich our associations and provide important impetus for the further development of the German potato industry."

Illya Kolba:

"The potato industry is a high-performing and diverse sector with great importance for agriculture, food production and value creation in Germany. I am very much looking forward to tackling the upcoming challenges together with the volunteer committees, the member companies and the teams of both associations and representing the interests of the sector with a strong voice."

UNIKA and DKHV look forward to working with Dr. Illya Kolba and wish him a successful start in his new role.