Alexander Shokhin to become Russia's new business ombudsman after two-year vacancy

Alexander Shokhin, president of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, has been named Russia's new business rights ombudsman. The position had been vacant for two years following Boris Titov's departure. The appointment was confirmed by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Russia's long-vacant business ombudsman post is set to be filled by [Alexander Shokhin](/politicians/alexander-shokhin), president of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), according to Kremlin spokesman [Dmitry Peskov](/politicians/dmitry-peskov).

The position of presidential commissioner for entrepreneurs' rights had remained empty for two years after its previous holder, Boris Titov, stepped down. Titov had occupied the role for over a decade and was known as a prominent advocate for Russian business interests.

Shokhin is a well-established figure in Russian economic and business circles. As head of the RSPP — often described as Russia's most influential employer organisation — he has long served as a key intermediary between the Kremlin and major Russian businesses.

The appointment signals the Kremlin's intent to reactivate the ombudsman institution, which is designed to protect business owners from bureaucratic overreach and regulatory abuses. The role carries the ability to intervene in court cases and appeal to government authorities on behalf of entrepreneurs.