Alexey P. Sitnikov, Ph.D. (psychology), the founder of a major think-tank in Russia, IMAGE-Contact CG, is vice-president of the Russian Public Relations Association and of the ICCA-Russia. A. Sitnikov is the chair and Professor of the Department of Political Consulting and Election Campaign Management of the State University – Higher School of Economics and the founding chair of the Institute of Communication Management.
The IMAGE-Contact CG (founded in 1989) has managed more than 370 electoral campaigns with 300 clients elected to the offices of president, governor, mayor, and deputy. In 83 regions of Russia, the IMAGE-Contact CG has established a broad network of 6200 inside experts. The IMAGE-Contact CG offers expert services in public relations, political consulting and lobbying. Among the pinnacles of its election accomplishments are campaigning for President Eltsin's (1996), the parliamentary parties “Our Home is Russia” (1995) and “Edinstvo” (1999), the parliament (1999) and presidential (2000) elections in Georgia, and the presidential campaign in the Ukraine (1999).