Mr. Leonid Ignat will be responsible for the Bank’s general external and internal communications, media and public relations, image and reputation management, sponsorship and charity programs.

Mr. Ignat joined Alfa-Bank from Renaissance Capital Group where he was responsible for the Group’s marketing and PR strategies in the Russia, Ukraine, UK and US markets from 2000 to 2006. Prior to that, Mr. Ignat was vice-president at Video International PR and worked at AB Image and earlier at BBDO Moscow. His main clients at that time included Dart Management, KKR, Absolut Vodka and Pantene Pro-V.

Mr. Ignat graduated from MGIMO (Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry’s High School on Diplomacy) and started his professional career in 1993 at the Council on Trade and Economic Cooperation between CIS and USA.

Alexander Gafin, former Director for Communications and PR of Alfa-Bank, will remain a member of the Board of Directors, vice-president and advisor to Chairman of the Executive Board of the Bank. In this role, Mr. Gafin will focus on developing relations with VIP audiences in Moscow and regions.

Commenting on the appointment, Mikhail Fridman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Alfa-Bank, noted: “I want to thank Alexandr Gafin for his contribution to the success of Alfa-Bank and building its strong corporate brand in Russia and abroad. He is a respected and accomplished professional with a strong reputation. I believe in his new capacity Mr. Gafin will bring a great support to our fast business development.”