Denis Pak, a seasoned veteran of the automotive policy arena who previously led the automotive industry and railway engineering division within the Ministry of Industry and Trade, is transitioning to a senior role at the Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad. This move is reported by Kommersant, citing multiple independent sources familiar with the matter.
One insider told Kommersant that Pak is set to take on a position at Avtotor that would be considered on par with a vice-presidential level. Another source suggested that Pak accepted Avtotor’s invitation after discussions with Vladimir Shcherbakov, the founder of Avtotor. According to the publication, Pak participated in meetings with a representative of Avtotor at the Ministry of Industry and Trade and actively advocated for the company’s interests during those discussions [Citation: Kommersant].
In his most recent public role, Pak headed the department responsible for automotive industry policy from 2017 until September 2022. During that period, the relationship between the state and car manufacturers underwent a shift from a framework of domestic assembly incentives to more market-driven investment contracts, such as SPIC arrangements. These shifts required manufacturers to meet certain obligations in exchange for state benefits, including localization goals and production milestones. The transition reflected a broader move toward private investment and strategic partnerships within the sector [Citation: Kommersant].
Industry coverage has linked Pak with Kommersant and AFK Sistema and has noted discussions around potential investments in major facilities, including a Volkswagen plant in Kaluga. These broader conversations illustrate the interconnected nature of executive leadership moves, government policy, and large-scale manufacturing commitments that shape the Russian automotive landscape. Observers in Canada and the United States may view such developments as part of a wider pattern of state-industry collaboration and corporate strategy shaping regional production capabilities [Citation: Kommersant].