Ilya Berdnikov has been appointed General Director of Auchan Retail Russia

Ilya Berdnikov has been appointed the new general director of the Auchan Retail Russia trading network.

Asya Balabai now holds the position of executive director.

MOSCOW, September 22 - RIA Novosti. Ilya Berdnikov has been appointed as the new general director of the Auchan Retail Russia trading network, as indicated on the company’s website.

Previously, this position was held by Asya Balabai.

Thus, on the company’s website in the “Management” section, Berdnikov is listed as the general director, and Balabai is listed as the executive director.

“Ilya Berdnikov has more than 10 years of experience in FMCG and retail, where he held leadership positions in strategic and operational management, commercial development and marketing,” states the biographical information of the new manager on the company’s website.

It also reports that Berdnikov was responsible for the strategic development and results of one of the key business areas at X5. Previously, he held senior positions in international companies Mondelez International and Kraft Heinz.

The press service of the Auchan retail chain confirmed the information to RIA Novosti.

“We confirm the information. From September 19, 2026, Ilya Berdnikov has been appointed to the post of General Director of Auchan Retail Russia, Asya Balabay will continue to work as the executive director of the company,” the message says.

By a decree of September 17, Russian President Vladimir Putin transferred into temporary management the Russian assets of the French retailer Auchan (Auchan brand), the Swiss food manufacturer Nestle and the French logistics group FM Logistic, including warehouse complexes. The measure also affected the former Russian division of the French Leroy Merlin (the current Leman Pro brand).