Leonid Bokhanovsky
Leonid Bokhanovsky | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Russian |
| Occupation | Energy executive |
| Known for | Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (2009–2013) |
Leonid Bokhanovsky is a Russian energy executive and former Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), an international organization headquartered in Doha, Qatar.
Career
[edit]Before joining the GECF, Bokhanovsky served as the first vice-president of Stroytransgaz, a Russian engineering and construction firm specializing in pipeline infrastructure. The company was indirectly linked to Russian oil trader Gennady Timchenko, a known ally of then-Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.[1]
In December 2009, Bokhanovsky was elected as the first Secretary General of the GECF during a ministerial meeting held in Doha.[2][3]
His appointment followed lobbying efforts by the Russian government to secure greater influence within the organization, which groups major natural gas exporting countries such as Russia, Iran, Qatar, and Algeria.[4] The appointment marked Russia’s growing leadership role within the forum, which collectively controls the majority of the world’s proven gas reserves.[2][5]
Bokhanovsky’s tenure lasted from 2009 until the end of 2013.[6] During this period, he promoted coordinated investment policies among member countries and advocated maintaining the link between natural gas prices and oil in long-term contracts, a stance that drew criticism from consumer countries and the International Energy Agency.[1]
He also encouraged the expansion of GECF membership and positioned the forum as a potential counterbalance to OPEC, although he stopped short of calling for production quotas or supply cuts.[5]
Bokhanovsky concluded his term in 2013 and was formally thanked by the Emir of Qatar for his service.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Kramer, Andrew E. (2009-12-09). "A Russian Will Lead a Natural Gas Group". The New York Times. Retrieved 2025-05-01.
- ^ a b "International gas cartel elects Russian leader". MEED. 2009-12-10. Retrieved 2025-05-01.
- ^ "Gas group elects Russia's Bokhanovsky as sec-gen". Reuters. 2009-12-09. Retrieved 2025-05-01.
- ^ "Eric Williams returns to Port-of-Spain after GECF letdown". Trinidad Guardian. 2010-04-22. Retrieved 2025-05-01.
- ^ a b "Russia-led gas forum may one day emulate OPEC". The Namibian. 2009-12-17. Retrieved 2025-05-01.
- ^ a b "HH The Amir Receives Secretary General of Gas Exporting Countries Forum". Amiri Diwan. 2013-12-16. Retrieved 2025-05-01.