OREANDA-NEWS. March 21, 2012. Basic Element, one of Russia's leading and most dynamic diversified business groups, is delighted to announce the appointment of Vera Kurochkina as Deputy CEO supervising Corporate Communications. She will combine her new position with her existing role as Director for corporate communications at UC RUSAL.

In her new position, Ms. Kurochkina will lead and develop Basic Element's Russian and international communications strategy, incorporating media relations, advertising, event management, social and charity programmes, including those implemented by Oleg Deripaska's Volnoye Delo foundation, as well as cooperation with trade and non-profit organisations.

Ms Kurochkina holds a BA Honours degree from the Russian University of People's Friendship. She also graduated from the Finance Academy under the Russian Government. Between 2003 and 2006, Ms Kurochkina was RUSAL's head of media relations. In 2006, she was appointed RUSAL's Director for corporate communications. In 2010 she joined the Board of Directors of the Company.