The decision was rationalized by the fact that Schröder is an internationally respected political leader, consistently advocating for strategic cooperation of Germany and Europe with Russia in the energy sector, the agency’s source explained. The choice was also influenced by the fact that the ex-chancellor had an experience of being an independent director in Russian and international oil and gas giants, the explanatory memorandum said.

Apart from Schröder, the board welcomed Russian Minister of Energy Alexander Novak, the presidential aide Andrei Belousov (who used to be the CEO), Rosneft general director and chairman of the board Igor Sechin, Higher School of Economics professor Oleg Vyugin, Nord Stream-AG Managing Director Matthias Warnig, BP Group chief executive Robert Warren "Bob" Dudley, former BP senior manager Guillermo Quintero, former ExxonMobil top manager Donald D. Humphreys, Glencore CEO Ivan Glazenberg and research and development president of Qatar Foundation Faisal M.Alsuwaidi.

Rosneftegaz is Rosneft main shareholder with 50.00000001 percent of the company's shares. 19.75 percent is owned by BP, 19.5 percent by QHG Oil Ventures, 19.5 percent was acquired by Glencore and Qatar Investment Autority last year and one share belongs to the Federal Property Management Agency. The rest are in free circulation.