Boris Dobrodeev Takes the Helm of Lesta, Driving New Vision for World of Tanks and Beyond

The previous leader of the Russian technology giant VK has taken the helm at gaming studio Lesta, which is renowned for managing popular games like World of Tanks and World of Warships, as reported by the RBC news site.

Boris Dobrodeev, 34, is the son of Oleg Dobrodeev, who presides over the state-owned media group VGTRK.

He now leads IT Technologies, the entity that officially acquired Lesta in mid-July after a transfer of management rights from the federal property agency Rosimushchestvo.

Established on July 1, this company supervises the main activities of Lesta, which includes its development segment, Lesta, its Moscow branch Lesta Games Moscow, and the publishing division, Lesta Games Agency.

Industry experts had long pointed to Dobrodeev as the frontrunner to take charge of the studio, which has emerged as a significant player in the national gaming landscape after seizing the Russian operations of the Belarus-founded Wargaming in 2022.

In a Wednesday interview with RBC, Dobrodeev outlined the company’s immediate goals, which include expanding the team, enhancing community interaction, and developing updates in anticipation of World of Tanks’ 15th anniversary this August.

He introduced a forthcoming update titled «U-Turn,» indicating that it would initiate a comprehensive transformation intended to enhance gameplay and address player feedback more effectively.

“I have been an avid player for many years, and the product strategies I observe from the team are well-aligned with what our audience is seeking,” he stated.

Previously, Lesta was a subsidiary of Wargaming, a worldwide studio established by Belarusian entrepreneur Viktor Kisly.

After Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Wargaming withdrew from the Russian and Belarusian markets, transferring its local assets to Lesta Games.

Since then, Wargaming has pledged a portion of its in-game revenue to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. In response, Lesta publicly declared its independence from the company, emphasizing that its projects are neutral and not associated with such causes.

In June, the Tagansky District Court in Moscow heightened governmental interference in the gaming industry by designating Kisly and Lesta’s then-owner, Malik Khatazhaev, as members of an extremist organization due to Wargaming’s backing of Ukraine.

The court ordered the state to confiscate 100% of Lesta Games shares, setting the stage for Dobrodeev’s appointment.

Dobrodeev gained recognition in Russia’s tech scene in 2014 when he assumed the role of CEO at VKontakte after the departure of its founder, Pavel Durov.

He later headed Mail.ru Group, now VK, until resigning in 2021 when Gazprom-Media became a significant shareholder.

Subsequently, Dobrodeev led USM Telecom, part of billionaire Alisher Usmanov’s business empire, before departing in 2022 to explore independent opportunities.

With his new role at Lesta, Dobrodeev re-enters the public tech landscape at a time when the Kremlin is increasing its control over digital media and online entertainment, particularly in the rapidly expanding gaming sector.