On Thursday, May 25, Alexander Krylov announced that he was stepping down as Chairman of the Board of Avangard and transferring business to Anton Kuryanov.
– How did you react to the announcement of the departure of Alexander Krylov as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Avangard?
– Krylov is one of the strongest sports managers in Russia. Someone can say that such a powerful company as Gazprom is behind all this. But not everyone is able to properly build a sports structure that does not depend entirely on a sponsor.
Krylov’s strength is that he creates a team of professionals from different industries working for a common cause. I am close to his style of work, when they create a team of people who come up with something new, take responsibility and develop the structure itself for the better. It makes it possible to better reveal the potential of its employees by giving them the initiative. It is very important for people to grow and develop.
And what is the structure of the “Vanguard”? These are the development of sport in the region, the promotion of hockey and the attraction of the greatest number of fans. It’s not just about people coming to the new G-Drive Arena. And this in itself is a grand achievement that the “hawks” got a new home, leaving for several years in Balashikha, when their old palace was in poor condition. And we are talking about children – someone plays in the street club, which on the initiative of Krylov was built in Omsk and introduced hockey lessons in schools, someone entered the new academy hockey club that opened in the city.
Alexander Vladimirovich and I sometimes met in Switzerland when he flew to me, sometimes we had meetings in Russia. Each time, I was glad that quite young, but ambitious and intelligent, technically trained managers appeared in our company, ready to use their knowledge for the development of our sports industry.
Krylov very wisely and skillfully built the Avangard vertical, starting with the kids and ending with the KHL club. As I heard in the reviews, the “hawks” under him became almost the most popular hockey team in Russia. Avangard is therefore not only the most beloved club in Siberia.
And it’s not just about hockey.
– Indeed, Krylov came to the KHL after motor racing, and his G-Drive Racing team won the European Le Mans Series several times. But it’s a completely different niche, but even there he was a winner. Krylov subtly feels and understands the sport, knowing it first hand. With his work, he unites people, aims at the result and achieves his goals. We can only rejoice to have such professionals.
– Is it true that in 2018 you almost agreed to become the head coach of Avangard?
— I haven’t worked in the KHL since 2015. But that offer was the closest I could get back. In general, Alexander Krylov and I regularly communicate and exchange opinions. I actually received such an offer. I refused, but I couldn’t help it. Even though my interest was great.
It’s a shame if Krylov completely quit hockey. But I understand that he may seek new challenges for himself. In general, it seemed like he was cramped in the league. The range of ideas was admirable – for example, organizing a KHL club in Dubai.
Enough reviews.
– And why are they hammering in the press and Telegram channels? Because envy. Here Krylov, a young manager came, built a new arena, made Avangard a champion, developed a children’s academy in Omsk. And why is it so successful? Get him!
But there are very few such promising managers who look broadly and deeply, understand the sports industry from and to, diving into the very essence. I think we are not saying goodbye to Alexander Krylov. I would not be surprised if we see it in the government of the Russian Federation. These people are in high demand.
And hockey is a little niche topic.
“Small, but bright enough to show off. Well, Krylov was successful in Gazprom Neft, in motor racing, in hockey. A true triplet with multiple facets! In general, in terms of scale, Krylov can even lead the entire hockey industry. At club level, he has already proven everything. And with his ideas, he can develop the whole league. The same club in Dubai is a great idea. And we can see how close the Emirates are now to Russia. It’s not just sport, but also geopolitics. Once the right opportunity arises, it could be implemented.
– Krylov handed over the reins to Anton Kuryanov, who played with you in the Russian gold team at the 2009 World Championships.
— Yes, Anton is a hardworking guy, treats everyone with respect, loves sports and knows it inside out. Now at Avangard, he first gained experience as a coach, now he’s mastered as a general manager. I think Krylov made another correct bet by picking frames. Kuryanov is smart, smart. I hope he will become a good leader in the future.
Anton’s advantage at Avangard is that he is no stranger. He didn’t come from outside, he doesn’t need to get used to it. Everyone knows him, loves him and trusts him. Kuryanov can develop a hockey business in Omsk. “Vanguard” under him will pursue the same policy as under Krylov. I think at some point Alexander Vladimirovich will always follow the club and help. Well, and then – in independent swimming. They will help Kuryanov, he is his. And that’s great.
– And what will happen next with Krylov? your forecast.
“I wonder where it will end up. I think he quit his job at Vanguard for a reason. Krylov lives in sports. And if he closes this page now, he has received a very serious offer. A new challenge. And strong, empowered people live with such challenges. It’s a kind of drug for them.
Source : MatchTV
I’m Emma Smith, a dedicated journalist and avid storyteller. I have been writing for news websites for the past 5 years, reporting on hockey news and delivering in-depth analysis of the sport. In my current role as Author at Athletistic, I write about hockey events from around the world to keep followers up-to-date with what’s happening in the sport.
