First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Russia, Sergey Kiriyenko, announced that registration has opened for participation in the fifth anniversary season of the Leaders of Russia management competition. Applicants can submit their entries on the russia.rf website to join the Leaders until May 14. The announcement emphasized the timely nature of joining this program as global events unfold and markets shift, urging potential participants to embrace change management rather than wait on the sidelines. It was highlighted that participation is open to leaders from Russia and other countries up to 55 years old who have at least two years of managerial experience.
During the event, the General Manager of ANO reinforced the message of opportunity under the umbrella of the initiative Russia — A Land of Opportunities. Aleksey Komissarov, president of the Presidential Academy, described Leaders of Russia as a project designed for managers at all levels, regardless of sector. The program aims to identify and cultivate leadership talent across diverse fields.
Statistics shared during the briefing showed that more than a third of applicants come from small businesses and startups, with another 15 percent representing leaders of large and medium enterprises. The organizers stressed that all managers need ongoing skill development across several sectors, from civil service and science to education and business, including those overseeing large workforces and thousands of employees. These figures underscore the breadth of the program and its relevance to a wide range of professional roles.
For the anniversary edition, the organizers announced a new facet of the process: each candidate will receive personalized guidance during the registration phase. As participants advance through more stages of the competition, they will obtain increasingly detailed assessments that analyze their leadership capabilities and potential growth areas. This feedback loop is designed to help competitors understand their strengths and identify opportunities for further development.
The Leaders of Russia competition has been conducted since 2017 under the auspices of the President of the Russian Federation and stands as the flagship project of the Russia — Country of Opportunities platform. Historical data on participation show that submissions have reached beyond Russia to international applicants, with tens of thousands of entries received over multiple seasons and a wide geographic reach. The overarching aim remains clear: to discover, nurture, and support promising leaders who demonstrate the capacity to drive positive change, foster innovation, and contribute to national growth. The program is positioned as a catalyst for leadership development across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, reinforcing Russia’s commitment to cultivating a robust pipeline of capable managers who can respond to evolving national and global challenges. Citation notes indicate consistent alignment with broader talent development goals and ongoing evaluation of the program’s impact on participants and their organizations. Researchers and practitioners alike have commented on the value of structured leadership pathways, practical experiences, and the support networks created through the competition, which collectively contribute to a stronger leadership ecosystem in the region. This perspective is echoed by participants and observers who recognize Leaders of Russia as a strategic platform for building resilience, adaptability, and inclusive growth in a rapidly changing world.