Sergey Zhvachkin took office of Tomsk Region Governor

17.03.2012

On March 17, 2012 Sergey Zhvachkin took office of the Governor of Tomsk Region having succeeded Viktor Kress who managed the region for more than 20 years. In his salutatory address Sergey Zhvachkin said that he would take advantage of the useful experience of Viktor Kress's team, and the former governor wished him success.

Sergey Zhvachkin took the oath of office at a ceremony in the Tomsk Region Drama Theater.

"Assuming the office of the Governor of Tomsk Region I do solemnly swear that I will perform with fidelity my duties and support the Constitution of the Russian Federation, the federal legislation, and the Charter and laws of Tomsk Region. I do solemnly swear to safeguard the rights and liberties of man and citizen and do all within my power for the prosperity of the Region and well-being of its citizens."

The new governor said he would not make any policy statements for the time being. First, he would like to investigate the state of affairs in the region.

"I do expect that in the beginning all my actions will be judged through the "Viktor Kress lens"... I do not intend to break or ruin anything. I will utilize every valued and helpful achievement by the preceding team. I will thoroughly study the economic and social situation in the region."

Sergey Zhvachkin added that in his new position he will have to investigate into areas that are not much familiar to him such as the research and educational complex, forest industry, and agricultural industry. He said that he will need to make a tour of Tomsk Region districts to study how people live in rural areas.

Viktor Kress said at the ceremony that he is handing over the region "with a clear conscience as to the heritage" he is leaving.

"Sergey, people have given their credit of trust to you... This is obvious from the fact that when you enter any room people recognize you, they smile and greet you. I am confident that you will successfully utilize this credit. I wish you success in this life-changing venture. I believe in the new future of Tomsk Region," said Viktor Kress.

After the inauguration, Zhvachkin informed the media that he was not going to do any critical reshuffling in the Region Administration for the time being.

"I will extend the Deputy Governor contracts for some time to gain time for a decision," he said.

Background

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev nominated Sergey Zhvachkin to the position of the Governor of Tomsk Region at the beginning of February. On February 15, the Legislative Duma of Tomsk Region approved the nomination of Sergey Zhvachkin by a majority of votes.

Sergey Zhvachkin was born on January 20, 1957 in Perm. In 1979, he graduated from the civil and industrial engineering department of the Tyumen Civil Engineering Institute; in 1983, from the industrial production and construction organization department of the Gorky Civil Engineering Institute; in 1991, from the Kiel Academy of Economics (Germany).

Sergey Zhvachkin's professional background lies in the oil and gas industry. In 1979–1984, he worked as a foreman, construction site supervisor, chief engineer, head of Tomskneftestroy Group (within Tomskneft) construction and erection department No. 3. In 1985–1987, he was the deputy head of the Tomskneft's Vasyugan – Neft Oil and Gas Production Department. In 1987–1994, he worked as the manager of Tomskneftestroy Group within OAO Tomskneft. Since 1994, General Director of OAO Tomskgaz, OAO Tomskgazprom.

In 1990–2004, President of OAO Vostokgazprom. In August 2004, Sergey Zhvachkin was appointed General Director of OOO Kubangazprom (Gazprom's subsidiary) functioning in Rostov Region and the Republic of Adygea.

He worked as a deputy in two convocations of the Tomsk Region Duma and on the Economic Policy Committee. Sergey Zhvachkin is a Full Member of the Russian Engineering Academy and an Associate Member of the Russian Academy of Technological Sciences. He is an Honored Worker of the Russian Ministry of Fuel and Energy (1997) and an Honored Worker of the Russian gas industry (2000).

Awards: Order of Honor (1999); Order of the Russian Orthodox Church "Saint Blessed Prince Daniel of Moscow", 2nd and 3rd classes (2001, 2002); Medal "For Development of the Petrochemical Complex of Western Siberia" (1985); golden mark "Best Russian Manager" (2001, 2003).

Source: Tomsk Region Administration Information Server
Printable version

You can mark you interesting snippets of text that will be available through a unique link in your browser.