Uncertainty continues to surround any precise start date for current GAZ Group CEO, Bo Andersson, to potentially head up rival, AvtoVAZ, although indications are emerging from Russia this could be as early as January.
Andersson has been recommended to succeed AvtoVAZ chief, Igor Komarov, who is leaving to join Russian space agency, Roskosmos, subject to board approval at a meeting next week in Togliatti.
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“This [start date] is hard to say, because he [Andersson] has got a contract with GAZ Group until December at least,” an AvtoVAZ spokesman told just-auto from Togliatti.
“This could be his decision when to start here in Togliatti and when to leave there in Nizhny Novgorod.
Any Janaury date could the be earliest Andersson starts however, as it is likely a no-compete clause will limit his move to AvtoVAZ for some time. Historically, this could be up to 12 months.
Komarov will resign at the Togliatti board meeting, while at the same time, AvtoVAZ chairman, Carlos Ghosn, will nominate Andersson as one of the candidates for president.
AvtoVAZ has a busy period ahead should Andersson succeed Komarov, with plans for a new generation of Renault Logan as well as a Nissan Datsun brand, which the Russian automaker says is similar to the one launched in India.
“We think this is a big challenge for him [Andersson],” said the AvtoVAZ spokesman. “I am sure he will change our culture.”
It appears there has been little discussion between the Russian companies as both sides digest the possibility of Andersson’s significant move from Nizhny Novgorod.
“We don’t communicate with them [GAZ Group] on this case,” said the AvtoVAZ spokesman. “They are [a] quite closed organisation and they don’t communicate.”
GAZ parent, Russian Machines, declined to elaborate concerning Andersson’s future, although a spokeswoman noted to just-auto from Moscow: “He does have a contract until December at least.
“I can’t comment on that [date] – that is just a possibility.”
AvtoVAZ recently posted a net loss of RBL1.117bn (US$34m) for the first nine months of the year, compared to RBL1.191bn net profit in the same period last year.
Andersson was not immediately available for comment.
