New faces for state run boardrooms

The Russian government has started a program to replace government officials on state-run companies' boards of directors with independent directors.

First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov is to announce on Friday a list of candidates for nine companies submitted to the government by the Economic Development Ministry.

Oil pipeline operator Transneft, Sheremetyevo International Airport, shipping company Sovcomflot, and Russian Railways are among those waiting for new corporate organization.