Brazil's securities industry watchdog to investigate change of Petrobras CEO

[SAO PAULO] Brazil's securities industry watchdog CVM is expected to launch an investigation on Monday following the announcement by President Jair Bolsonaro of the change of CEO at state-controlled oil company Petrobras, according to one source with knowledge of the matter.

Mr Bolsonaro first announced the nomination of former General Joaquim Silva e Luna to replace current CEO Roberto Castello Branco to head Petroleo Brasileiro SA, as the company is formally known, on social media after the market close on Friday.

"We expect the enforcement division to begin an investigation", said the source, who requested anonymity because the information is confidential.

On Thursday, Mr Bolsonaro had already said in a live transmission on his Facebook account that he would make changes in the state-run company, and complained about the rise in diesel prices.

Petrobras shares tanked on Friday, with common shares losing almost 8 per cent and preferred shares slipping 6.6 per cent. The company lost 28 billion real (S$6.88 billion) in market capitalisation.

REUTERS