Tupolev General Director post undecided as Alexanderov reinstated after two weeks

Published: 10/4/1999

It seems that confusion reigns at Tupolev as the result of a management power struggle, leading to the cancellation of the decision to appoint Igor Shevchuk, as Director General and the reinstatement of the previous incumbent, Vasily Alexanderov, only two weeks after he was displaced in favour of Shevchuk on 23rd September. According to reports, Shevchuk has returned to his previous position as Chairman of the Tupolev board, where he represents the company as the only Tupolev employee, having served as a designer with the company since 1977 and as Director General of ANTK Tupolev since 1997. The overturned decision appears to be the result of a government intervention in the form of Deputy Prime Ilya Minister Klebanov, responsible for the aerospace industry. The government owns 44% of the company managed by Tupolev Holding, headed by the displaced Alexanderov. The reversal follows a request from Tupolev's board of directors, requesting an investigation of affairs at the design and production company. According to Tupolev's military programmes, Valery Benderov, a team made up of personnel from the Space and Aerospace Agency and the State Property Ministry is currently undertaking an investigation on a broad remit, reportedly ranging from examining the reasons for Tupolev almost halting its military programmes under Alexanderov, to unspecified financial activities and a failure to complete a contract with India. Unconfirmed reports suggest that it was this team's initial recommendation that led the government to force the reinstatement. Despite the return of Alexanderov, those within the company consider that it may be short lived, given the outcome of the investigation.

Article ID: 923