URALSIB Capital announces today that Michelle Kelner has been appointed Head of ECM and Private Placement Group. In her new position Mrs Kelner will focus on managing the entire ECM process including IPOs and secondary fundraisings for Russian companies by liaising with both originators and syndicate bankers.

Michelle Kelner will be reporting to Oleg Lukhton, Head of Corporate Finance and Oleg Vorotnitsky, Head of Global Equity Sales and Trading.

Commenting on the appointment, Mark Temkin, Head of URALSIB Capital investment bank, said: “This business currently requires special attention and care to bring it to a higher professional standard. We believe that Michelle with her wide knowledge of the market and clientelle and her dedication to the company's progress will successfully meet the challenge”.

Michelle Kelner joined URALSIB Capital as Head of International Sales with Equity Trading Division in June 2006. Mrs Kelner has 15 years experience of working on international equity markets.

Prior to joining URALSIB Capital, Mrs. Kelner held top management positions in major investment banks such as ATON Securities (New York), SAC Capital Advisors (Stamford, Connecticut), Brunswick and Hermitage Capital Management, JP Morgan Securities (New York). Michelle Kelner holds a Bachelor degree in commerce from the University of Virginia.