* Vulis stepping down for personal reasons
* Vulis will stay on until new chief executive appointed
* Shares in ENRC close down 1.1 percent
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LONDON, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Kazakh mining group ENRC said chief executive Felix Vulis had decided to step down for personal reasons but would stay with the company until a successor was appointed.
London-listed ENRC said on Friday its nomination committee would convene to review suitable candidates for the post and a further announcement would be made in due course.
Chairman Johannes Sittard said he was "saddened" by but "understood and supported" Vulis' decision.
"I have worked with Felix now for many years through the development of the business and its emergence as a public company. The board are grateful for his willingness to serve until a new CEO is appointed," he said.
Vulis assumed the role of chief executive in August 2009, having joined ENRC in 2001 and been chief executive of its Kazakhstan operations from December 2006.
"It is unclear how the market will take this news," said Credit Suisse analysts in a research note.
"The next CEO appointment could be key for sentiment toward the stock. A market friendly, experienced appointment could reduce corporate governance concerns," they added.
Shares in ENRC closed at 1,051 pence, down 1.1 percent. (Reporting by Matt Scuffham; Editing by Jon Loades-Carter)