Moldovan Energy Ministry nominates new Moldovagaz chief

CHISINAU. Sept 19 (Interfax) - Dorin Junghietu could become chairman of the executive board of Moldovagaz, the Moldovan Energy Ministry's press office said.

The ministry on Thursday presented its candidate for chairman, chosen competitively, and candidates for members of the executive board.

The current chairman, Vadim Ceban, was nominated for deputy chairman of the board, and Eduard Calancea and Radu Mandraburca for the positions of executive board members.

This is the first time that management will have been appointed in a public competitive process, which is "Moldova's obligation to ensure transparency in the management of state enterprises."

The executive board has nine members nominated by the main shareholders and who serve for a term of three years. The Moldovagaz charter states that four members of the board and the chairman of the management board are nominated by the Moldovan government and approved by the supervisory board, where Gazprom has the majority of votes.

Ceban has been chairman of the executive board since September 2019. His term was last extended in June 2021.

Moldovagaz is the biggest energy company in Moldova and one of its biggest taxpayers. The company, together with its subsidiaries, provides services to 740,000 customers in Moldova, and also organizes natural gas transit to the Balkans.

Gazprom owns 50% plus one share, the Moldovan government has 35.33%, Transdniestria 13.44% and legal entities and individuals 1.23%. The Transdniestria region's shares are under Gazprom's trusteeship.