Memorial plaque of Rem Vyakhirev inaugurated in Orenburg Region
RELEASE
Release
A memorial plaque of Rem Vyakhirev was inaugurated today in Dedurovka settlement of the Orenburg Region. The ceremony was held on the date of the 80th anniversary of Rem Vyakhirev's birth. The plaque was placed on the wall of the building occupied by the Gas Production Directorate of Gazprom Dobycha Orenburg.
Taking part in the ceremony were Vitaly Markelov, Deputy Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee, Yury Berg, acting Governor of the Orenburg Region, Alexander Mokshaev, Chief Engineer and First Deputy Director General of Gazprom Dobycha Orenburg, veterans of the gas industry, executives and employees of Gazprom and its subsidiaries.
“It is no coincidence that the Orenburg Region became our choice – it was here where Rem Vyakhirev started his career ladder as a gasman over forty years ago. He faced a formidable challenge – to set up gas production from the Orenburg field, a world's biggest one featuring helium and hydrogen sulfide. He successfully accomplished the mission by commissioning gas and chemical facilities ahead of schedule.
Such an example shows that Rem Vyakhirev was a man capable to deliver the most complex projects, which sometimes seemed unachievable. He started the construction of Blue Stream – some international experts called it the 'blue dream', because the project was highly ambitious and the construction of the world's deepest gas pipeline to be laid via the hydrosulfide waters of the Black Sea seemed too good to be true. The pre-development of the Zapolyarnoye field was started and the transnational Yamal – Europe gas pipeline was built when Rem Vyakhirev was in charge of the Company.
It is difficult to overestimate Rem Vyakhirev's contribution to the development of the domestic oil and gas sector. His natural gift, outstanding organizing skills and impressive achievements benefited the country and all of us,” as quoted in the speech by Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee.
After the inauguration ceremony, the guests saw the facilities of the Gas Production Directorate, including the first production well No.102 of the Orenburg field, and took part in the Vyakhirev commemoration meeting.
Background
Rem Vyakhirev was born on August 23, 1934 in Bolshaya Chernigovka settlement, Kuibyshev Region.
From 1970 to 1976 – Head of Dedurovskoye Gas Production Directorate.
From 1976 to 1978 – Director of Orenburggazdobycha Production Association.
From 1978 to 1983 – Chief Engineer and Deputy Head of All-Union Orenburggazprom Industrial Association.
From 1983 to 1989 – Deputy Minister of the USSR Gas Industry, Head of All-Union Tyumengazprom Industrial Association and First Deputy Minister of the USSR Gas Industry.
From 1989 to 1992 – Deputy Chairman of the Management Committee of Gazprom State Gas Concern.
From 1993 to 1996 – Chairman of RAO Gazprom Board of Directors, Chairman of RAO Gazprom Management Committee.
From 1996 to 2001 – Deputy Chairman of RAO Gazprom Board of Directors, Chairman of RAO Gazprom Management Committee (RAO Gazprom was later renamed OAO Gazprom).
From 2001 to 2002 – Chairman of the Gazprom Board of Directors.