Leonid Lozbenko First Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee of the Russian Federation, Doctor of Sociological Sciences, Academician of the International Academy of Informatization Date of Birth: 25.01.1948 Country: Russia

Content:

1. Early Life and Education
2. Career in Iran
3. Senior Positions in Ukraine and the USSR
4. Pioneering the Russian Customs Service
5. International Recognition and Impact
6. Contributions to Global Customs Modernization
7. Leadership in Global Trade Efficiency
8. Commitment to Education and Public Service
9. Honors and Awards
10. - Doctor of Sociological Sciences
11. - Academician of the International Academy of Informatization (1999)
12. Personal Interests
13. Legacy

Early Life and Education

Leonid Arkadyevich Lozbenko was born on January 25, 1948, in Syzran, Kuibyshevskaya (now Saratovskaya) Oblast, Russia. His father, Arkady Semenovich Lozbenko (1920-1997), was a military serviceman, while his mother, Alexandra Alekseevna Lozbenko (born 1922), was a healthcare professional.

When Leonid was seven years old, his family moved to Horlivka, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine. There, he graduated with honors from the Horlivka Industrial Technical School with a degree in "Mining Electromechanics" (1969). Following his graduation, he was drafted into the Soviet Army, serving in the Strategic Missile Forces in Gvardeysk, Kaliningrad Oblast.

After completing his military service, Leonid Lozbenko worked in industry for a year before enrolling at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) upon the recommendation of the Donetsk Regional Party Committee. He graduated with honors in 1975 with a degree in International Economic Relations. During his studies, he served as deputy secretary of the Komsomol committee.

Career in Iran

Lozbenko's first job after graduating from MGIMO took him to a remote part of the world. He was sent to Iran as a translator for a geological expedition searching for iron ore in the central Iranian desert of Dasht-e Kavir. Despite the challenging conditions, Lozbenko found joy in the experience. He reunited with his wife, Viktoria Nikolaevna Lozbenko (born 1948), who had been working in Kharkiv Oblast, and they began their life together.

Lozbenko's expertise in mining and geology caught the attention of Dr. Sheibani, General Director of the Iranian National Metallurgical Corporation. Impressed by Lozbenko's knowledge and ability to correct the speeches of others, Dr. Sheibani requested that he be transferred to Tehran as the chief personnel expert for all Soviet specialists sent through the Ministry of Geology.

Senior Positions in Ukraine and the USSR

In 1979, Lozbenko returned to the Soviet Union and joined the Committee of Youth Organizations of Ukraine as a senior referent, where he was responsible for working with international students. In 1980, he joined the Central Committee of the Komsomol, where he held positions as referent and deputy head of the International Department, overseeing partnerships with socialist countries.

Pioneering the Russian Customs Service

Lozbenko's career took a significant turn in 1986 when he joined the newly established Main Administration of State Customs Control (GUGTUK), a move that coincided with the Gorbachev reforms. Despite the skepticism of his family, he accepted the position as head of the International Department.

Within five years, Lozbenko had risen to the rank of First Deputy Chairman of GUGTUK under Vitaly Konstantinovich Boyarov, a historical figure who served as the inspiration for General Konstantinov in Yulian Semenov's book and the film "TASS Is Authorized to Declare". Their partnership resulted in groundbreaking changes in the customs service.

International Recognition and Impact

Lozbenko's accomplishments in the Soviet Union earned him international recognition. In 1992, he was invited by Tom Hayes, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), to participate in an open competition for the position of Director of the Human Resources and Planning Department.

Despite being a relatively recent member of the WCO, Lozbenko's application was successful. Five years later, he was appointed Deputy Secretary General of the WCO after winning a secret vote of representatives from 150 countries, defeating a French candidate who was widely expected to win.

Contributions to Global Customs Modernization

During his tenure at the WCO, Lozbenko played a pivotal role in developing the "Concept on Modernization of Customs in the Modern World," which became a cornerstone document for the organization and is now widely used worldwide. He personally traveled to different parts of the globe to test and implement the concept.

Leadership in Global Trade Efficiency

After completing his term at the WCO, Lozbenko was invited to lead the Global Alliance for Trade Efficiency (GATE). However, he received an offer from the Russian government to serve as the head of the Russian Customs Academy, tasked with training qualified personnel for the customs service.

While accepting the position at the academy, Lozbenko was uniquely appointed by the Policy Commission of the WCO to remain as an advisor to the Secretary General. He also became the President of the High-Level Group on Modernization of World Customs.

Commitment to Education and Public Service

Lozbenko's passion for education and public service extended to his work at the Russian Customs Academy. He was deeply involved in student life, curriculum development, and the welfare of both students and faculty.

In 2002, Lozbenko was appointed First Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee of Russia, a testament to his vast experience and contributions to the field.

Honors and Awards

Throughout his distinguished career, Leonid Arkadyevich Lozbenko has received numerous honors and awards, including:

- Doctor of Sociological Sciences

- Author of dozens of publications on customs administration in national and international journals

- Academician of the International Academy of Informatization (1999)

- Order of the Badge of Honor

- Awards from the State Customs Committee and foreign governments for his contributions to the development of national customs administrations

Personal Interests

In his spare time, Lozbenko enjoys reading, with a particular fondness for detective fiction. He also enjoys traveling throughout Russia.

Legacy

Leonid Arkadyevich Lozbenko is a respected and influential figure in the world of customs administration. His contributions have had a profound impact on the modernization and efficiency of customs services across the globe. He continues to serve as a mentor and advisor, guiding the future of customs operations and international trade.

Customs official

Leonid Lozbenko