Enlightenment Group Sees Leadership Change as Natalia Tretyak Takes the Helm
In a significant shift for Russia’s largest textbook publisher, Gazprombank vice president Natalia Tretyak has been named chief executive officer of the Enlightenment group. The board of directors at JSC Prosveshchenie approved the appointment, signaling a move that many in the education sector view as a new chapter for the company. The development was confirmed through a formal release that underscored Tretyak’s extensive experience within the education system and her demonstrated capability in executive management.
Tretyak inherits the top role from Mikhail Kozhevnikov, who has led the publishing house since 2019. Kozhevnikov will transition to the role of head of strategic development, focusing on long-term initiatives and growth strategies for the group. This realignment places Tretyak at the forefront of the company’s day-to-day leadership while keeping Kozhevnikov closely involved in shaping its future direction.
The leadership announcement arrives as the Enlightenment group navigates ongoing changes in the Russian educational publishing landscape. Tretyak’s background at a major financial institution, combined with her exposure to policy and program management in education, is viewed by observers as aligning with the publisher’s objectives to expand curriculum offerings and strengthen international collaborations.
Context for the change includes prior governance decisions and strategic reviews conducted by the board. Tretyak’s appointment is framed as part of a broader initiative to modernize operations, enhance digital learning solutions, and ensure a robust pipeline of educational materials across grade levels. Kozhevnikov’s transition to strategic development emphasizes continuity, allowing for a steady rollout of new projects while leveraging his experience to steer long-range planning and partnerships.
In related regulatory and industry notes, the Enlightenment group has faced scrutiny over content and safety standards in educational materials. A recent matter involved edits to a Starlight English textbook for eleventh grade, where a word was removed following guidance from educational and rights-related bodies. This episode illustrates the publisher’s ongoing commitment to compliance and responsible curriculum development while continuing to deliver resources used by students and teachers across the country.
Overall, the leadership changes position the Enlightenment group to pursue a more integrated approach to publishing, combining traditional textbook production with digital platforms and supplemental learning tools. Tretyak’s arrival brings a fresh perspective on governance, revenue models, and student-centered product lines, while Kozhevnikov’s focus on strategic development aims to harness market opportunities and strengthen the company’s competitive edge in a dynamic educational landscape.