UPDATE 1-Fridman says likely to step down as TNK-BP head

* Says "unlikely" to carry on as interim CEO

* Permanent successor to be named soon

(Adds detail, background)

By Vladimir Soldatkin

MOSCOW, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Billionaire Mikhail Fridman is likely to step down soon as acting head of Russian oil company TNK-BP (TNBPI.RTS), with a permanent chief executive to fill the void at the dispute-riven venture.

The void at the helm of TNK-BP is the result of a row over strategy and control that erupted last year between BP (BP.L) and the four billionaires, including Fridman, who share ownership of the company, which generated $5.3 billion in profit in 2008.

Asked whether he would continue as acting chief executive, Fridman told Reuters: "It's unlikely."

When pressed on the identity of his successor, Fridman, who was speaking on the sidelines of a meeting of Russian businessmen, said: "You will soon find out."

TNK-BP's board is due to meet this month to discuss candidates for the chief executive post. Industry sources had said earlier that Fridman could keep his post. [ID:nL6706134]