Yandex is a global technology company that, until 2022, was incorporated in the Netherlands and listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange. Following a corporate restructuring in 2023, the company’s headquarters and main operations were relocated to Russia. Yandex dominates the Russian digital landscape with a diverse ecosystem of services. Its core business units include: Search and Advertising, Data & AI Solutions: Comprehensive cloud infrastructure and AI services, Smart Devices, Autonomous Technology, Mobility & Logistics, E-commerce & Delivery. Market Capitalization: Approximately $22 billion.
Corporate Affairs Director (remote worldwide)
Autonomous Vehicles · Robotics · Smart Devices · IT Infrastructure
August 2020 – June 2025
Key Accomplishments for Autonomous Vehicles Business Unit
Regulatory Sandbox (Level 4 AVs) Spearheaded the creation of Russia’s first regulatory sandbox for Level 4 autonomous vehicles. This landmark initiative enabled the commercial launch of both supervised (with safety driver on the passenger seat) and fully driverless taxi services under Federal Law No. 331 (July 2021) and Government Decree No. 309 (April 2022). Full regulatory text here
2023 Commercial Robotaxi in Moscow - NO DRIVER behind the wheel
The establishment of a specialized regulatory framework enabled the commercial launch of autonomous vehicles in ride-hailing in 2023, creating a blueprint for other market participants.
Export Licensing Secured Federal General Export License for autonomous robots and AV technology (2022)
Permanent Regulation Concept of permanent AV regulation (draft law) proposed to the Ministry of Transport
Last-Mile Delivery Initiated the regulatory sandbox for autonomous last-mile delivery robots in Russia (May 2025)
Technical Standardization Proposed the Robot Management System information standard to the Ministry of Industry and Trade as a baseline (also for state subsidy purposes)
Infrastructure Business Unit scope
Regulatory & Legal Strategy Led government relations and regulatory strategies to define and secure the legal status of data centers within national telecommunications and infrastructure frameworks (e.g., Federal Law on Communications)
Infrastructure & Grid Connection Spearheaded negotiations with state authorities and major utility providers to secure high-capacity power grid connectivity and energy allocations for data center facilities
Site Acquisition & Expansion Partnered with regional governments and land-use authorities to identify, evaluate, and acquire strategic land plots for greenfield and brownfield data center development
Security & Compliance Advised executive leadership on critical infrastructure security, establishing compliance protocols with state security, anti-terror, and data protection standards
Stakeholder Management Built and maintained high-level partnerships with federal ministries, regulatory bodies, and industry associations to advocate for favorable policies driving tech infrastructure growth
Interviews and Materials
Interview: Autonomous Vehicles & Regulations
Interview about the development of autonomous vehicles and regulatory initiatives in the field of autonomous technologies