Dmitry Azarov
Dmitry Igorevich Azarov (born 9 August 1970 in Kuybyshev, now Samara) is a Russian politician and systems engineer. He served as the 4th Governor of Samara Oblast from September 2018 to May 2024, after acting as governor from September 2017 to September 2018. He is a member of the United Russia party.
Azarov grew up in Kuybyshev (now Samara) and studied engineering and economics. He earned a degree in systems engineering from Samara State Technical University in 1992, studied at the Buzuluk Financial and Economic College (1994), and wrote a dissertation in 2003 at the Russian State University of Trade and Economics on improving profitability in a company.
He began his career in industry, holding economics roles at several factories. From 2001 to 2006 he was the general director of Srednevolzhskaya Gas Company. In 2006 he became first deputy head of the Samara city district, and in 2008 he was named minister of nature management, forestry and environmental protection of Samara Oblast. In 2010 he was elected head (mayor) of the Samara city district, a position he held until 2014.
From 2014 to 2017 Azarov served in the Federation Council, representing Samara Oblast. In 2017 he was named acting governor of the oblast, and in 2018 he was elected governor, serving until 2024. In December 2020 he joined the Presidium of the State Council of Russia.
In 2022 Azarov was placed under international sanctions because of his party’s support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Personal life: He is married to Vera Azarova and has two daughters, Polina and Alyona. He enjoys basketball and reading, with Dostoyevsky and Bulgakov among his favorite authors.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 06:17 (CET).