Rostelecom chief expected to quit today

Russian state-backed telecom operator Rostelecom is expected to approve the replacement of CEO Alexander Provotorov by former National Cable Network chief Sergei Kalugin at a board meeting today, according to various press reports.

Although the change was not on the agenda for today’s meeting, Russian news service ComNews and Reuters both reported that the agenda could be changed, citing sources close to the board, with Provotorov expected to submit his resignation at the meeting.

Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier told Reuters that the Kremlin supported the appointment of Kalugin. The government has been critical of Rostelecom’s plans to expand its activities in the crowded mobile market and the acquisition of a number of regional players, and the expected change in management follows the sale of a 10.7% stake by Marshall Capital Partners, a fund linked to Provotorov, to construction magnate Arkady Rotenberg.