Russia’s Rostelecom has named Sergey Kalugin as its new president, saying he replaces Alexander Provotorov immediately.
The news follows media reports stating the Kremlin had backed the appointment.
Moscow-born Kalugin served as CEO of…
Russia’s Rostelecom has named Sergey Kalugin as its new president, saying he replaces Alexander Provotorov immediately.
The news follows media reports stating the Kremlin had backed the appointment.
Moscow-born Kalugin served as CEO of Rostelecom-owned broadband operator National Telecommunications (NTK) from 2007 to 2008 and from 2009 to 2012. He has also been a managing partner at WebMediaGroup since 2009. Previously, from 2001 to 2007, he was CEO of National Cable Networks.
Reports emerged last year that Provotrov may be replaced, after the new government criticised Rostelecom’s share price and plans to expand in the competitive mobile market.
Recently, deputy prime minister Arkady Dvorkovich was quoted as saying the government was discussing a management shake-up at the state-controlled telco and later reports said officials had backed Kalugin’s appointment.
Oligarch Konstantin Maloffev’s recent acquisition of a 10.7% stake in the company prompted speculation that management changes would be fast-tracked.
Kalugin said he is taking up his new post “with a great sense of honour and responsibility”.
“Through our dedication and efficiency, I am certain that Rostelecom faces a great future.”
Announcing the board’s approval of the new appointment today, Rostelecom thanked Provotorov for his work for the company since he started in August 2010, noting that he has overseen major developments including the integration of regional telcos such as Dagsvyazinform.
Provotorov said he was “extremely proud” to have worked for such a “trend-setter” in the Russian telecoms sector.
