Yesterday the laureates of Person of the Year -2003 were announced in the Patriarshy Palace of the Moscow Kremlin. In Top Manager Nomination for outstanding achievements in providing competitiveness of the company on the world market there was awarded Valery Okulov, General Director of Aeroflot - Russian Airlines. According to the authoritative Expert Council of the Award, ‘Person of the Year’ is a person embodying a meaningful tendency of the country development that forms Russia’s future.

The aim of ‘Person of the Year’ project organized by RBK is to assist integrity of the society, business and authorities. Speaking at the ceremony of awarding Arkady Dvorkovich, Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade, said that ‘Person of the Year’ is one of the most authoritative awards in Russia now. “People who are awarded here are really leaders, they will determine the policy and development of our country within the next few years,” noted Dvorkovich.

In its response speech Valery Okulov said: “Aeroflot has been associated with our country abroad for a long time; that’s why consolidating our positions and becoming more attractive for passengers we support the image of the entire Russia, work for its future.” “Our airline company has been working successfully under conditions of tough competition that there is in no other business sphere. ‘Pearson of the Year’ Award is acknowledgement of the fact that Aeroflot upholds reputation of the national air carrier of Russia”, stressed Mr. Okulov.