Maxim Sokolov, ex Minister of transport of Russia, has been appointed President of AVTOVAZ, Russia’s top car manufacturer. The decision was made by the Company Board unanimously and entered into force w.e.f. May 23.
Sokolov graduated from the Leningrad State University (now, St. Petersburg University). He was Managing Director of Rossi and then Managing Director of Corporation S before starting his career as a municipal official with the government of St. Petersburg in 2004, where he was Chair of the city Committee for investment and strategic projects.
In 2009, he was appointed Director of the industry and infrastructure department of the RF Government, and during 2012-2018 was at the helm of the RF Ministry of transport. In 2018-2019, Maxim Sokolov occupied top positions with LSR Corporation, then returning to the municipal service as a Vice Governor of St. Petersburg responsible for transport infrastructure, tourism, transport, investment, industrial policies, innovation and trade.
After Renault Group left, the major stock holders of AVOTOVAZ are the Russian Federation represented by NAMI, which holds 67.69% of its shares, and Rostec State Corporation.