EPAM is pleased to announce the launch of its industry-specific Natural Resources Practice to be led by Partner Mikhail Kazantsev, who is rejoining the Firm after serving as a member of the management board, deputy Director General and Head of Legal at Rosgeologia.

At Rosgeologia, Russia’s largest geological holding, Mikhail lead a team comprising 100+ lawyers and coordinated projects aimed at improving resource recovery efficiency in the Russian Federation.

Prior to joining Rosgeologia in 2016, Mikhail spent 10 years working at EPAM, and was a partner for the last 6 years. He has extensive experience in acting on major deals and investment projects on the Russian M&A market in various economic sectors, advising Russian and international clients on deal structuring, due diligence, regulatory approvals, financial recovery and restructuring proceedings. Moreover, Mikhail was involved in drafting of Russian legislation on controlled foreign companies (CFC) and capital amnesty.

Earlier, Mikhail was with the Russian Presidential Administration, headed the legal department at the St. Petersburg Customs Office and held other senior in-house management positions.

Mikhail graduated from the St. Petersburg State University Law School. In 2013, he received his Master’s degree from Columbia University (USA), and in 2018, he received MBA from Gubkin Oil and Gas University.

In 2014, by Russian Presidential Decree, Mikhail was bestowed a class rank of a Full State Civil Service Counsellor of the Russian Federation, 3rd class.

He has received a letter of commendation from the Russian President.

Mikhail has been admitted to the Moscow Bar.