Marchenko, who was responsible for overseeing the miner's operations in Africa, steps down as Alrosa faces pressure from sanctions imposed by Angola and sells its stakes in the Catoca and Luele mines.

Appointed vice president of Alrosa's African operations in September 2017, Marchenko was promoted to deputy CEO in 2018. Under his leadership, the company increased its stake in the Catoca mine from 33 percent to 41 percent.

Alrosa stated that Marchenko will be pursuing a new role in the mining industry. "Despite the challenges, thanks to Vladimir Vladimirovich's expertise, Alrosa expanded its project portfolio across Africa," said CEO Pavel Marinychev. "On behalf of the entire team, we wish him success in his future endeavors."

Marchenko also played a key role in collaborating with Zimbabwe to explore new diamond deposits and led Alrosa's South American division.

Alrosa is selling its 41 percent stake in the Catoca Mining Society, which owns the Catoca and Luele mines, to Maaden International Investment, a subsidiary of Mercury Investments International, a state-owned company ultimately controlled by the Government of Oman.