VK (LSE and MOEX: VKCO) announces that it is strengthening its team and creating a new organizational structure. The changes are in line with the company's strategy to develop the VK ecosystem and solidify its leadership in the Russian market.  

Alexander Ayvazov has been appointed Senior Vice President for Investments and Business Development: he will be in charge of these areas, as well as M&A and EdTech segment. Previously, Alexander managed companies that focused on direct investments in high tech projects and asset consolidation, was involved in mergers and acquisitions in Russia and abroad, as well as in strategic consulting. Before joining VK, Alexander was Vice President for Business Development at Rostelecom PJSC.

Stepan Kovalchuk who was Vice President for Business Development at VK stepped up as Senior Vice President for Media Strategy and Service Development. Stepan has been working for the company since 2017. In his new role, he will be in charge of the strategic lines of VK business: music and content, as well as community management. The new division will incorporate the respective teams, including the video content and music services department lead by Vice President Andrei Dimitrov, as well as the recommendation systems department headed by Sergey Shalaev.

Irina Sirenko has been named Vice President for Government Relations. Irina has extensive experience in this area, as she worked at the Ministry of Science and Education and the Ministry of Communications and Mass Media, served as Head of the Legal Department and then Deputy Head of the Department of Information Technologies of the city of Moscow. Before joining the VK team, she was Vice President for GR at Rostelecom.

Vladimir Kirienko, CEO of VK (Russia):

"We have an ambitious goal of developing the VK ecosystem and solidifying its role in the Russian market. The company has everything it needs to succeed: unique technologies, the platform, and most importantly, a team of professionals. Strengthening the team is aimed at business development in key areas and at fostering partnerships. I am positive that together we will be able to reach a new level and raise VK’s status as the leader of digital services and products for our users".