In a decisive moment for the national leadership program, the competition announced that 102 managers spanning 31 regions of Russia, along with participants from Belgium and Serbia, earned the title of winners in the anniversary season of Leaders of Russia. The designation reflects a selection process that brings together a vast pool of candidates from across the country and beyond, underscoring the program’s expanding international reach and its commitment to identifying high-potential leaders who can contribute to public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Observing the achievements, Sergei Kiriyenko, First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Russia and Chairman of the Competition Supervisory Board, remarked that reaching the super finalist stage already marks a significant victory. He noted that the competition attracted immense interest, with around 500 applicants for every available place and an overall pool of more than 160 thousand people applying. The winners have demonstrated exceptional leadership, and their success serves as a testament to the program’s rigorous standards and competitive spirit. Kiriyenko emphasized that becoming a super finalist signals not only personal achievement but also the entry into a large, influential family of Russia’s leaders who are shaping the country’s future.
According to Kiriyenko, the Leaders of Russia competition stands apart from any other initiative globally. He highlighted the President’s establishment of a personnel platform designed to unlock full potential for participants. The platform is portrayed as a unique ecosystem that fosters growth, collaboration, and mentorship across the highest levels of leadership. The message conveyed is clear: joining this program means joining a powerful network of executives who are driving strategic outcomes and public value across diverse sectors.
Alexey Komissarov, General Director of ANO Russia – Land of Opportunities and Rector of the Presidential Academy (RANEPA), reaffirmed the notable outcome of the super final, confirming that 102 managers from 31 regions of Russia, as well as candidates from Belgium and Serbia, earned recognition. His remarks align with a broader vision of leadership development that blends rigorous assessment with opportunities for practical advancement and mentorship. The emphasis is on pairing outstanding individuals with pathways that enable deeper study and real-world leadership experiences.
Every super finalist in this cycle is awarded an educational scholarship of 1 million rubles to support their chosen study program at Russian universities. Beyond financial support, the prize also includes access to mentors drawn from among the country’s leading executives, providing guidance, network access, and personalized insights. This combination of tuition support and executive mentorship is designed to accelerate the growth of participants into capable decision-makers who can influence institutions and industries with informed, strategic thinking.
The Leaders of Russia competition has operated under the auspices of the presidency since 2017, signaling a long-standing commitment to identifying and nurturing national talent. Over the years, the program has attracted more than a million applications from participants across 150 countries, reflecting its broad appeal and the global interest in Russia’s approach to leadership development. The sheer scale of participation underscores the program’s reputation and its role as a catalyst for leadership excellence in the region and beyond, with implications for public administration, corporate governance, and social entrepreneurship.
As the latest cohort steps forward, the emphasis is on translating potential into impact. The combination of competitive selection, accessible educational opportunities, and mentorship aims to deepen the leadership bench available to Russia and to participating countries. The winners are positioned not only as high-performing managers but also as role models who demonstrate how disciplined training, mentorship, and strategic education can catalyze effective leadership in varied contexts. In this way, Leaders of Russia continues to serve as a bridge between classroom learning, real-world governance, and the ambitious goals of a modern, globally engaged society.