Representing our clients’ interests and perspectives before various Russian government decision-makers has always been a core service of The PBN Company in Moscow. With the maturing of the Russian political landscape and President Putin’s overwhelming election victory and near total domination of the State Duma, some analysts predicted lobbying and government relations assignments for professional advocates would diminish in 2004. That has definitely not been the case at The PBN Company.

As a result of increasing client requests for assistance with relationship building and problem solving in government, PBN has augmented our lobbying talents with the addition of Vyacheslav Nikonov as a special consultant to the firm for government relations and political affairs. Slava is a well-known name in Russian political and government circles, as well as in the international arena. Slava’s experience, talents and active role in Russian politics are exceptional. He is the President of both the “Polity” and the "Unity for Russia" Foundations — two leading political organizations. He was the deputy chairman of President Yelstin’s reelection campaign, a member of the State Duma, and campaign strategist for many Russian national and regional leaders. He is also the Dean of History and Political Science at the International University in Moscow and a Board Member of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, the Russian Public Policy Center and the Carnegie Endowment.

When he’s not involved in Russian politics, he’s analyzing governments and politics in the U.S., China and Germany, where he often travels and lectures. Slava has written three books on U.S. Republican politics, covering the Eisenhower, Nixon and Reagan presidencies. He has authored two books on Russian politics and more than 500 articles on current affairs.

"Slava’s experience, insights and contacts are a huge asset for The PBN Company and our clients," says PBN Board member Andrew Wood. "He has an excellent sense of the political and practical realities and trends of Russian politics." Andrew, who was the former U.K. Ambassador to Russia, has known Slava for several years.

Another member of PBN•Moscow’s lobbying team is Alexander Shelemekh, who is senior advisor to the firm on government relations. Sasha has been associated with the firm for more than 10 years and has a unique specialty in intellectual property, aviation and transportation, financial services, and customs. In addition to his work with Russian government authorities, he also coordinates the firm’s lobbying and government relations activities in the IP arena throughout the CIS region.

Olga Barannikova is the firm’s Deputy Director of Government Relations. She works daily with the apparatus of the Russian Federal Government, numerous ministries and federal services, the State Duma and Federation Council, and various regional authorities. Prior to joining the firm, she worked as the General Secretary for the Association of Perfumery, Cosmetics and Household Chemistry Manufacturers. She also served as a legislative and advocacy advisor to the phonographic industry and consultant to the Committee on Education, Culture and Science of the State Duma. Olga is also an attorney and serves as co-chair of AmCham’s Technical Regulations Committee.

Maxim Syssoev is an account executive in our Government Relations Department. Max has been with the firm for more than 10 years and currently works with many PBN clients, particularly those in the aviation, aerospace and high-tech sectors.

"The PBN Company combines direct lobbying and government relations with sophisticated issues management and strategic communications programs," explains Senior Vice President Tom Thomson. "This includes grassroots organizing, coalition building, media relations and issues advertising. We take a comprehensive approach to government relations in Russia and everywhere else we operate. It is also a winning approach."

Email our Moscow GR Team: slava.nikonov@pbnco.com, alexander.shelemekh@pbnco.com, olga.barannikova@pbnco.com, maxim.syssoev@pbnco.com