OREANDA-NEWS. On April 29, 2008 Mechel OAO (NYSE: MTL), one of the leading Russian mining and metals companies, announced two appointments to executive positions in its subsidiaries, reported the press-centre of Mechel.

Alexander Starodubov (62) was appointed Managing Director of Mecheltrans ООО.

Previously, Mr. Starodubov was Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mecheltrans ООО since June 2007. He was General Director of Uglemettrans OOO and after it changed its name to Mecheltrans ООО from May 2002 to June 2007 and he was Deputy General Director of Uglemet-M OOO from October 1999 to May 2002. From June 1987 to October 1999, Mr. Starodubov was Deputy Director for Business Affairs, Head of Mining Operations, Commercial Director of Dzerzhinsky Mine, and Director of the Mine’s Moscow Representation Office at Prokopyevskugol Coal Mining Production Association. Mr. Starodubov graduated from the Siberian Metallurgical Institute with an Engineering degree in Technology and Complex Mechanization of Mineral Deposit Underground Mining.

Victor Abarin (50) was appointed Managing Director of Urals Stampings Plant OAO, succeeding Mr. Ramil Zakirov.

Prior to his appointment as Managing Director of Urals Stampings Plant OAO, Mr. Abarin held various positions at Chelyabinsk Metallurgical Plant OAO from June 1980 to October 2005, his last position there being Director for Production - Head of Production Division. From November 2005 to April 2008, Mr. Abarin was General Director of Minplita Plant ZAO. He graduated from the Chelyabinsk State Technical University with an Engineering degree in Electric Power Supply of Industrial Enterprises, Towns, and Agriculture. In 2005, Mr. Abarin won the All-Russian Contest "Engineer of the Year – 2005" in the nomination of “Ferrous Metallurgy,” and he holds the title of Professional Engineer of Russia. In 2004, he was awarded the title of Honorable Metallurgist.

“Mr. Starodubov and Mr. Abarin are fully qualified and experienced specialists, terrific professionals in their jobs, and have been fully devoted to several years of work at Mechel’s subsidiaries,” Mechel Management OOO Chief Executive Officer Vladimir Polin said.

Mr. Polin continued, “Alexander Starodubov has worked very hard to reach the position of managing director. Today, Mecheltrans ООО is developing new logistic schemes that are being established while improving the existing ones, range of cargoes are being extended and their volumes are being built up. The geographical flow of the cargo also has been extended significantly lately. I am confident that, under Mr. Starodubov’s operational management, Mecheltrans ООО will continue its robust performance and strengthen its position in the market.”

Mr. Polin concluded, “Victor Abarin has proved to be a competent executive and production specialist. He understands the specificities of steel production and has many achievements and awards in this area. Urals Stampings Plant is undoubtedly one of the more important metallurgical assets of Mechel OAO, and we expect Mr. Abarin to deliver impressive production and economic results.”