Moscow, Russia — March 06, 2012 – Mechel OAO (NYSE: MTL), one of the leading Russian mining and metals companies, announces the appointment of the new Chief Executive Officer of Mechel-Energo OOO.

Yuri Yampolsky, 57, who was appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of Mechel-Energo OOO, replaces Anatoly Chernakov, who was acting chief executive officer.

Mechel OAO’s Chief Executive Officer Yevgeny Mikhel noted: “Mechel-Energo OOO’s Chief Engineer Anatoly Chernakov had to administer Mechel’s power division in winter, which is a traditionally difficult time for all energy producers, and he handled this task well, which we are very thankful for. Starting today, Yuri Yampolsky will take up his duties — he will manage all our power generating and sales companies, coordinate the work of their branches and ensure their efficiency. Yuri Yampolsky has had many years of practical experience in the energy sector and has proved himself a high-class specialist and a very capable administrator.”

Prior to his appointment, since November 2010 to February 2012 Mr. Yampolsky worked as deputy general director for economy and finance, first deputy general director and deputy general director in Science and Research Engineering Center for Interregional Distribution Grid Companies OAO. In 2008-2010, he headed the Arkhenergo branch of MRSK North-West OAO. In 2007, Mr. Yampolsky headed Eurasia EnergoService ZAO. In 2005-2006, he was acting deputy general director in Federal Grid Company of Unified Energy System OAO’s MES Center. In 2003-2005, he was general director of Taimyrenergo OAO. In 2001-2003, Mr. Yampolsky worked as first deputy general director and deputy general director for finance in Marienergo AO. In 1997-2001, he was deputy general director for marketing and head of the finance, marketing and economic safety department in the Mid-Volga Research Institute for Energy and Electrification Volgaenergoproject Samara OAO.

Mr. Yampolsky graduated from Moscow Institute for Civil Aviation Engineers with a specialty in automated control systems, Karaganda Metallurgical Plant’s Technical College with a specialty in treatment of metals under pressure, International Market Institute in Samara with a specialty in finance and loans and the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration’s course on management in the energy industry. Mr Yampolsky holds a doctorate in Economics and has several industry and institutional awards.