MOSCOW, August 17 (RIA Novosti) - Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov has been elected chairman of Russian Railways, Russia's railroad monopoly, the company's president said Wednesday.

Vladimir Yakunin made the announcement following a session of the new board of directors, which appointed new members to the board.

Zhukov told reporters the number of the company's vice presidents had been reduced and the post of senior vice president introduced.

In all, the company's leadership will include 12 vice presidents. The board of directors will consist of 25 people, including vice presidents, Russian Railways department heads, and heads of individual railroads.