VimpelCom Russia boss takes board role

European operator group VimpelCom has promoted its Russian chief to the group’s executive board; Anton Kudryashov will assume the role of chief group business development and portfolio officer from October 14, 2013. Mikhail Slobodin will take over as head of the Russia business unit, effective immediately.

Kudryashov will be based at VimpelCom’s group headquarters in Amsterdam and will be responsible for business development and mergers and acquisitions, as well as strategic business control. His contract has been extended to 31 December 2016.

His successor Slobodin was previously executive VP of strategy and new business development at Russian oil firm OJSC TNK-BP Management. Prior to this he held key positions in several companies in the Oil & Gas sector.

Jo Lunder, CEO at VimpelCom said that Kudryashov, strengthened the Russian unit’s market position by closing gaps in products and services as well as launching strategic projects aimed at improving the efficiency of the operations.

“Anton will have much to contribute from his new position on the Executive Board and will be advising on the execution of our Value Agenda,” he said.