Rem Viaherev Former head of Gazprom. Date of Birth: 23.08.1934 Country: Russia

1. Rem Ivanovich Vyakhirev
2. Early Life and Career
3. Rise in the Gas Industry
4. Leadership at Gazprom
5. Controversies
6. Post-Gazprom Career
7. Personal Life

Rem Ivanovich Vyakhirev

Rem Ivanovich Vyakhirev is a Russian business executive and former politician who served as chairman of the board of directors of Gazprom, the Russian state-owned natural gas company, from 1992 to 2001. Under his leadership, Gazprom became a global energy giant, dominating the European natural gas market.

Early Life and Career

Vyakhirev was born in 1934 in the village of Podlesny, Bashkortostan, Russian SFSR. In 1956, he graduated from Kuibyshev Industrial Institute with a degree in petroleum and gas field engineering. After graduation, he worked for 14 years in the oil and gas industry in the Kuibyshev region.

Rise in the Gas Industry

In 1970, Vyakhirev became head of the gas production department. He was appointed director of the Orenburggazdobycha production association in 1976 and became chief engineer of the Orenburggazprom production association in 1978.

Leadership at Gazprom

In 1983, Vyakhirev was appointed deputy minister of the USSR gas industry and head of the Tyumengasprom production association. He rose through the ranks, becoming first deputy minister of gas industry in 1986.

In 1989, Vyakhirev was named deputy chairman of the board of the Gazprom state gas concern. He became chairman of the board of directors in 1992. Under his leadership, Gazprom grew into a global energy giant, controlling a significant portion of the European gas market.

Controversies

Vyakhirev's tenure at Gazprom was marked by controversies. He was accused of corruption and nepotism, and there were allegations of his involvement in the "Gazprom scandal" in 2001, which led to his departure from the company.

Post-Gazprom Career

After leaving Gazprom, Vyakhirev remained active in the energy industry. He was elected chairman of the board of directors of OAO Gazprom in 2001 and served as chairman of the Russian Gas Society from 2001 to 2010.

Personal Life

Vyakhirev was married to Tatyana Dedikova, and they had two daughters. He has written over 60 scientific papers and monographs and holds 13 author's certificates. He is a laureate of the USSR State Prize and has been awarded numerous orders and medals for his contributions to the gas industry.