The Kremlin announces that Alexander Shokhin, head of Russia’s biggest business lobby group, is set to become President Vladimir Putin’s next business ombudsman. According to the Kremlin, Shokhin will replace or succeed the current leadership of the business ombudsman role, with responsibilities focused on representing the interests of business in dealings with the state. Bloomberg reports that the appointment is framed as Shokhin taking charge as a business ombudsman, while the Moscow Times adds that the office is being revamped for the role. Both outlets describe Shokhin as the head of a lobby organization representing major industries in Russia, positioning him as a senior figure linked to the business community. The reports do not specify the date the appointment takes effect, nor do they outline detailed changes in powers or specific policy targets beyond a “revamped” version of the ombudsman office. The Kremlin statement indicates the appointment is intended to formalize and elevate business-related representation at the presidential level.