Born in 1969 in Michurinsk in the Tambov Region, Vadim Mikhailov graduated in 1992 from the State Financial Academy with a degree in finance and credit.

From 1992-2003, he worked at auditing firm Arthur Andersen starting as an economist before becoming Director of the firm’s Bank Audit Department.

From 2003 to August 2009, he served as Director, then Managing Director of Ernst & Young Business Consulting Ltd.