TNK-BP appoints new executives

MOSCOW, March 19 (UPI) -- Anglo-Russian venture TNK-BP proceeded in a corporate makeover following a destabilizing shake-up in 2008 by appointing two new executives, the company said.

TNK-BP, a venture between BP and Russian tycoons represented by the Alfa, Access/Renova group, appointed Jonathan Muir, a vice president, as its chief financial officer and Didier Baudrand, a former senior vice president with BP, as its executive vice president downstream and executive director.

"The new appointments mark a further step in completing our senior management team, which combines the strength of our existing cadre with new experience," said Chief Executive Officer Tim Summers in statements published by TNK-BP.

TNK-BP faced a corporate row in 2008 over former CEO Robert Dudley. Dudley fled Russia in July to carry out his responsibilities in a secret European location, citing harassment and disputes stemming from alleged violations of Russian labor laws.

AAR said Dudley was managing the firm as a division of BP, while BP officials worried about the growing influence of Russia in the merger.

BP announced in February it would seat Dudley on its board in April.