Federation of Creative Industries Reviews First-Half Results and Strengthens Leadership Team

On July 3, the Federation of Creative Industries (FCI) held an extraordinary General Assembly of its members. Participants approved the Association’s performance results for the first half of the year, outlined key priorities for the months ahead, and introduced changes to the Board. FCI CEO Igor M. Namakonov was reappointed to continue in his role.

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Since the beginning of 2026, the FCI team has provided expert and organizational support to 27 external events, ranging from the Eurasian Event Forum to the Caucasus Investment Forum. The Federation has also continued publishing its quarterly member digests and recently launched a regular newsletter for Russia’s regional creative industries development centers.

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FCI has further expanded its cooperation with Russia’s regions. The organization has established a comprehensive database of regional development centers, ministries of culture and economic development, and other профильные public institutions to facilitate systematic information exchange. Following the first newsletter, several partners requested updates on legislative developments, expressed interest in participating in the webinars Introduction to Creative Industries and Creative Industries Glossary, and sought information about industry leaders to support knowledge sharing.

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The Federation has already produced the first lecture by Igor M. Namakonov, The Genesis of Creative Industries, and will soon publish a unified online glossary of key industry terms.

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“Today, creative industries have firmly established themselves as a key driver of urban and regional development. Demand for nationally produced creative products continues to grow. Their high value added contributes to local economic development, creates new jobs, and expands opportunities for people to realize their creative potential,” said FCI CEO Igor M. Namakonov.

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A major milestone this year was the Federation’s designation as the base organization of the Council for Professional Qualifications in Culture and Creative Industries. Ioann Klindukhov, Vice Rector of the Institute for the Development of Vocational Education, was appointed Chair of the Council, while Igor M. Namakonov and Alexander Gaidatov, Director of the Academy of the Russian State Film Fund, were appointed Deputy Chairs.

During the meeting, members also discussed the Federation’s strategic plans. Later this year, FCI intends to launch accelerator programs in the Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, and Vladimir regions. The Federation will also serve as a content partner for the Creative Economy Days in St. Petersburg and the International Youth Forum in Yekaterinburg.

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The General Assembly concluded with the election of two new members to the Board: Vitaly Stavitsky, President of the Union of Designers of Russia, and Ioann Klindukhov. At the same time, Igor M. Namakonov’s term as CEO was extended for another five years.

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According to Alexander Auzan, Chairman of the Board of the Federation of Creative Industries, these leadership appointments strengthen the Federation’s expertise and representation across the creative industries, while the reappointment of the CEO ensures continuity in FCI’s development as an intellectual and production hub for the creative economy.

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“Five years ago, we began with the idea of bringing together fragmented creative sectors. Today, the Federation has become a dynamic platform connecting creators and experts, businesses and government. Our team has built a systematic framework for cooperation with the regions. The renewal of the Board reinforces our expertise in key areas, while Igor Namakonov’s reappointment as CEO ensures continuity of our strategic direction. We will continue to grow as an intellectual and production center generating solutions for the entire creative economy.”