Moscow, April 20, 2025 — The First International Franchising Forum “Leader’s Strategy” concluded its two-day programme on April 19–20 in Moscow, bringing together hundreds of business leaders, franchisors, investors, and government representatives in what became one of Russia’s largest franchise networking events of the year. Organised by RBG, the operator of RBC Franchises, and held under the patronage of the Russian Franchise Association, the forum was supported by strategic partner Sber Business and strategic media partner Business FM. The event drew participants from Russia and abroad, and addressed the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing franchising in the current global landscape.
The forum served as a high-powered platform for sharing best practices, market intelligence, and strategic vision across the full spectrum of franchising — from federal retail and the experience economy to international expansion, personal branding, and franchise culture. Speakers from leading Russian networks including Pyaterochka, Dixy, Yandex Lavka, and Cosmos Hotel Group shared hands-on insights into building sustainable franchise systems, deepening product quality, expanding into regional and international markets, and forging resilient franchisor-franchisee relationships. The event’s underlying message was clear: franchising in Russia remains a high-growth sector, but sustainable success depends on disciplined business processes, genuine adaptability, and a long-term commitment to brand integrity.
The forum brought together an exceptional lineup of speakers representing the full breadth of Russian business and franchising. Among them were Alexey Vasilchuk (Vasilchuk Restaurant Group), Anton Pinsky (co-founder of Pinskiy & Co and co-owner of Stars Coffee), Alexander Biba (President of Cosmos Hotel Group), Dmitry Smurov (co-founder of Colizeum), Valeria Ostasheva (Head of Franchising at Pyaterochka), Ivan Petrov (Head of Reverse Franchising at Dixy), Maria Shvindt (Head of Yandex Lavka franchise), Mehak Galstyan (founder of The Byk restaurant chain), Dmitry Seminov (founder of CyberX Community), Vladimir Larionov (Managing Director of Skazochnye Bani), Mikhail Sumbatyan (founder of IThub Group), Sergey Degtyarev (founder of Franch.Global), Yury Mikhailichenko (President of the Russian Franchise Association), Radislav Gandapas (President of the CIS Speakers Association), Maxim Spiridonov (co-founder of Netology and Foxford), Roman Kostomarov (Olympic champion), and Dr. M. A. Babu (Director of FranExpos).
Case studies and industry forecasts were also presented by global investor Oskar Hartmann and Igor Stoyanov (founder of the Persona network), while discussions were moderated by Ksenia Sobchak, Denis Kutergin, and Alrshed Abduljawad.
A highlight of the forum was the dedicated focus on international franchise expansion — particularly the strategic opportunity that the Gulf region represents for Russian brands. Expert speakers examined how Russian franchise concepts can leverage their growing presence in the UAE and wider MENA region, with Dubai serving as the gateway into a $33 billion franchise market growing at 27–29% annually. Global investor and serial entrepreneur Oskar Hartmann and Franch.Global holding founder Sergey Degtyarev outlined the pathways available to Russian franchisors looking to export their concepts internationally, noting the importance of understanding local consumer behaviour, halal compliance, and regulatory frameworks in target markets. The Gulf, with its young demographics, Vision 2030-driven economic transformation, and booming café and food service culture, was repeatedly cited as the most strategically aligned destination for Russian franchise ambitions.
