Rem Viakhirev

Rem Ivanovich Viakhirev (Рем Ива́нович Вя́хирев; 23 August 1934 – 11 February 2013) was a Russian businessman. From 1992 until May 2001 he was chairman of Gazprom. In May 2001, Viakhirev had to resign as chairman during Putin's consolidation of economic power. His successor is Alexey Miller.

Biography
Vyakhirev was born on August 23, 1934, in the village of Great Chernigovka, Kuybyshev Oblast.

Between 1976 and 1978, he was Director of "Orenburg Gazdobyscha" Company. Between 1978 and 1982, he was the Chief Engineer of "Orenburg Gazprom".

Between 1983 and 1985, he was Deputy Minister of Gas Industry of the USSR and the Chairman of "Tyumen Gazprom" company. In 1986, he became the First Deputy Minister of Gas Industry of the USSR.

In 1989, he was appointed as Chairman of Gazprom concern. From 1992 until 2001, he was the Gazprom CEO.

Since May 1996, he was the Chairman of "Sibirian Oil Company" («Сибирской нефтяной компании»). Since 1994, he was a member of the Governmental Council for Industry policy and business. Between 1994 and 1995, he was Chairman of "Imperial" Bank (банк «Империал»). Since 1995, he was member of Board of directors of the Russian Public Television («Общественное российское телевидение»).

Between 2001 and 2002, he was the Chairman of the "Russian Oil Company" (RGO). Viakhrev died in Moscow on February 11, 2013 at the age of 78.

Personal life
Vyakhirev was married. He had a son, daughter, grandson and two granddaughters.