OREANDA-NEWS. On 24 March 2009 JSC "MegaFon", first pan-Russian mobile operator, announces the decision of its Chief Operating Officer Alexander Volkov to leave his position.

"I faced a difficult choice – my family and a job in St. Petersburg or a career in Moscow – and I have chosen St. Petersburg though it was not an easy choice to make", - Mr. Volkov comments on his decision. "I have got several offers but I would like to spend some time dedicated completely to my family".

Alexander Volkov was among ideologists and founders of MegaFon: initially he was the head of mobile division in OJSC "Telecominvest" with the task to consolidate separate GSM-assets in Russia which later on became the basis for establishment of the first pan-Russian mobile operator "MegaFon". When the headquarters moved to Moscow, Alexander Volkov became the head of its North-West Branch.

On February 1, 2008, Alexander Volkov, Director of the North-West Branch of MegaFon, upon invitation of Sergey Soldatenkov, CEO of OJSC "MegaFon", became the Chief Operating Officer. "At the time when Russian mobile market is very close to saturation, the necessity of high-quality competition is especially urgent. Fresh perspective, extensive management experience and extraordinary organizational competences of Mr. Volkov were a significant contribution to MegaFon's competitive position. During one year Alexander Nikolaevich was successful in bringing operational management to a new quality level and in creating for MegaFon a starting position to achieve leadership on the market. I would like to express my gratitude to Alexander Nikolaevich in public, he is one of the most talented managers with whom I had a chance to work", says Sergey Soldatenkov.

The position of COO will remain in OJSC "MegaFon", a new appointment will be announced later.