Based on information from MMC Norilsk Nickel.

Alexander Krupaderov, the former Deputy General Director and Head of the Regional Policy Directorate of the OJSC Kola Mining and Metallurgical Company (Kola MMC) has been named by the company’s Board of Directors as its new Chairman.

Kola MMC’s new Deputy General Director and Head of its Regional Programs and Communications Department is to be Renat Karchaa, who was previously responsible for the work of the Murmansk Regional Government’s delegation to the Russian Federal Government.

In the words of OAO Kola MMC’s General Director, Yevgeny Potapov, “These personnel changes have been dictated by the need to maintain the favourable economic and social – political conditions that are essential to Kola MMC’s efficient functioning.

The decision to elect Mr. Krupaderov, a deputy in the local Duma, and a man with a prominent place in regional politics, as Chairman of Kola MMC’s Board of Directors will enable us to consider better the balance of interests of both employers and employees.

Mr. Karchaa’s appointment is the result of the need for the systematic development of constructive relations with the regional authorities. We believe that his professional experience will have a great influence regarding the company’s achievement of its strategic aims.”