Born in 1952.
In 1973 graduated from the Railway Corps and Military Transport School, Leningrad (now St Petersburg).
In 1983 graduated from the Military Logistics Support and Transport Academy with a degree in Railway Engineering.
From 1983 to 1985 – Military Commandant of a railway section and Urgal station on the Baikal-Amur railway line (BAM). Took part in driving the Golden Spike, when eastern and western sections of the BAM were linked.
From 1985 to 1994 – Section Military Commandant, Head of a Military Transport Department and Deputy Head of Military Transport on the Moscow Railway.
From 1996 to 2004 – employed at SeverStalTrans.
From 1998 – Deputy CEO of SeverStalTrans; supervised the transport engineering sector, railway transport and seaport operations.
From March 9, 2004 – appointed Transport and Communications Minister.
From May 20, 2004 – appointed Transport Minister.
From May 21, 2012 – Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation.
From September 2, 2013 – Aide to the President of the Russian Federation.
Was a member of the Public Council of the Government Commission for the Railway Transport Reform.