MOSCOW, RUSSIA: VK Company Limited announced that Boris Dobrodeev has decided to step down as the CEO of VK Russia. He will however continue his duties until a new CEO of VK Russia is appointed by the Board of Directors of VK Company, to ensure smooth management transition.

 Boris Dobrodeev, CEO of VK Russia said:  “I’ve always said that users are the most important aspect of the Internet. But today I want to especially thank the VK team for our ambitious projects and the shareholders of VK for putting their trust in me. And I am grateful to all of them for the opportunity to participate in the development of one of the best companies in Russia.

I’ve been happy to work with a brilliant team of experienced professionals who are passionate about what they do. My colleagues’ creative energy and new ideas have always inspired me.

I would especially like to thank Alisher Usmanov for this unique opportunity for self-fulfillment and for the trust he has placed in me – аnd all the other strategic and minority VK shareholders for their support.

It has been a very exciting journey spanning eight years. Symbolically, I started it as a Deputy Director at VKontakte, and finished as of VK (Russia): a huge Сompany, a leader in the local social networking segment, education and food tech markets as well as a major global online gaming business. The Сompany is also actively developing mobility, classifieds, and other new initiatives. VK has a fascinating past, an interesting present and, I am sure, a great future. I am proud to have been a part of this Сompany and wish it only the best of luck.

I have big plans: I’m going to be working with USM’s digital assets, including its stake in AliExpress Russia, and aim to launch a global venture fund. But in the meantime I will focus on a smooth handover and on making the transition as seamless as possible for shareholders, stress-free for the team and unnoticeable for millions of our users”.

VK Company develops the ecosystem helping millions of people with their day-to-day needs online. More than 90% of the Russian internet audience use the ecosystem services.

 The ecosystem enables people to keep in touch (using social networks OK and VKontakte, messaging apps and email service), play video games (via MY.GAMES), get and offer items and services, browse jobs and hire talent (via Youla and VK Jobs), order food and grocery delivery (via Delivery Club, Samokat and Local Kitchen), get a ride (with Citymobil and Citydrive), master new skills (at GeekBrains, Skillbox and other educational services), buy and sell at AliExpress Russia and fulfill other needs.

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