On February 6, 2025, Alyona Vandysheva was appointed as the new Executive Director of Transparency International Russia. The internal selection process for this position began in October 2024, and her candidacy was approved at the organization’s Board meeting on January 29, 2025.
Alyona Vandysheva graduated from the Law Faculty of Saint Petersburg State University. Since 2005, she has worked in the nonprofit sector, and since 2010, she has been part of TI-Russia. Within the organization, she has coordinated educational projects, conducted anti-corruption assessments of legal acts, led research initiatives, and organized seminars and training sessions for diverse target audiences – from school students to entrepreneurs.
Ms. Vandysheva also has significant academic experience. She worked as a lecturer and held leadership positions at the Saint Petersburg campus of the Higher School of Economics (HSE), including serving as Deputy Dean. However, after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, she was forced to leave the university. Following this, she continued her teaching career at the Free University and taught courses at Palacký University. Additionally, she worked as a guest expert for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), contributing to the development and discussion of anti-corruption strategies in foreign countries.
Alyona Vandysheva replaces Ilia Shumanov as Executive Director. Mr. Shumanov dedicated 12 years to Transparency International Russia, the last four of which he served as the organization’s head. Under his leadership, TI-Russia successfully continued its activities despite the Russian government’s designation of the global Transparency International movement as “undesirable.” The organization secured accreditation as the only TI chapter operating in exile, strengthened its cooperation with international partners, and gained recognition for its expert analyses among European and global financial and anti-corruption regulators.
Ilia Shumanov will focus on expanding Arktida, a non-profit organization dedicated to investigations and research in the Russian Arctic. Leveraging his expertise in anti-corruption efforts, he aims to strengthen the organization’s operations while also developing commercial projects.
Alyona Vandysheva commented on her appointment, emphasizing the importance of continuing anti-corruption efforts despite the current challenges:
“I have always believed in the values of the rule of law and human rights. That is why I chose to work in the civil society sector after graduating from university. Today, Russian civil society is facing one of its most difficult periods: for the third consecutive year, a criminal war continues, authorities are deploying an arsenal of repressive tools against dissenters, and support programs are being dismantled.
In a corrupt state, it is nearly impossible to freely express opinions, access socially significant information, create civic organizations and initiatives, receive equal access to quality healthcare and education, or even exercise control over one’s own life. This makes it all the more critical to continue anti-corruption programs and investigations, even in these difficult times. By exposing money laundering schemes, identifying systemic vulnerabilities, and spreading knowledge on effective anti-corruption practices, we lay the groundwork for future change.
Together with the team at Transparency International Russia, we will fight for these changes,” Ms. Vandysheva said.
The Transparency International Russia team expresses deep gratitude to Ilia Shumanov for his contribution to the organization’s development and welcomes Alyona Vandysheva in her new role.
For further information, as well as interview and comment requests, please contact the organization’s PR Manager Ivan Korzh at [email protected].
