Viktor Zubkov served as the 36th Prime Minister of Russia between September 2007 and May 2008. Appointed by Vladimir Putin, he occupied a central role within the federal government during a period of transition in Russian leadership, later transitioning into a significant corporate position as the long-term chairman of the board of directors for Gazprom.
Early Career and Local Governance
Born in 1941, Zubkov spent his early career in the Leningrad Oblast. Following service in the Soviet Army from 1966 to 1967, he worked in agricultural management, eventually moving into local political administration. Between 1985 and 1991, he held positions including Chairman of the Priozersk City Executive Committee and First Secretary of the Priozersk City Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. He also served as the First Deputy Chairman of the Leningrad Oblast Executive Committee until 1991.
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In the 1990s, Zubkov transitioned into fiscal administration. He served as Chief of the Saint Petersburg Department of the State Tax Inspection and later became the Deputy Tax Minister of Russia in 1999. In 2001, he moved to the Ministry of Finance, chairing the Financial Monitoring Committee. This body, later renamed the Federal Financial Monitoring Service, focused on anti-money laundering efforts, a role he maintained through the cabinets of Mikhail Kasyanov and Mikhail Fradkov.
Prime Ministerial Tenure
In September 2007, President Vladimir Putin nominated Zubkov to succeed Mikhail Fradkov as Prime Minister. The State Duma confirmed the appointment on 14 September 2007. During his tenure, Zubkov briefly signaled an intention to run for the presidency in 2008, though he ultimately supported Dmitry Medvedev. His government was dismissed in May 2008 following the presidential inauguration. He subsequently served as First Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation until 2012.
Corporate Leadership and Recognition
Following his government service, Zubkov became the chairman of the board of directors at Gazprom, one of the world's largest gas companies. His career has been marked by numerous state awards, including the Order of the Red Banner of Labour, the Order of the Badge of Honour, and multiple classes of the Order for Merit to the Fatherland.
Fast facts
- Born: 1941, Arbat
- Education: Saint Petersburg State Agrarian University
- Prime Minister of Russia: 2007-2008
- First Deputy Chairman of the Government: 2008-2012
- Chairmanship: Gazprom
- Academic Degree: Doctor of Economics
- Sanctioned by UK: 24 February 2023
- Religion: Russian Orthodox Church
Questions readers ask
What was Viktor Zubkov's role in the Russian government?
He served as Prime Minister of Russia from 2007 to 2008 and later as First Deputy Chairman of the Government from 2008 to 2012.
What is his current professional affiliation?
He is the chairman of the board of directors of Gazprom.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Gazprom
- Educated at Saint Petersburg State Agrarian University
- Worked as politician, entrepreneur and economist
