In 1990–1995, he was employed by a number of US consulting companies dealing with investment projects in the Commonwealth of Independent States. In 1995, he became project director for the publicity campaign of Grigory Yavlinsky and the Yablokoparty. In 1996, he was chief co-ordinator for advertising for PresidentBoris Yeltsin's 1996 re-election campaign. He went on to head the President's public relations department from November 1996 to May 1998.
Between October 1999 to October 2000, he was a director of the Russian Information Centre (Rosinformcentr), a government agency covering events in the Northern Caucasus From May 1998 to September 1999, he held a managerial position at RIA Novostinews agency. From January to March 2000, Margelov served as a consultant to Vladimir Putin's Electoral Headquarters,[5] in charge of contacts with foreign media.[6]
In PACE, he was a member of the Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe (Monitoring Committee), the Political Affairs Committee and the Sub-Committee on the Middle East. Having served as the vice-president of the PACE, he was due to be appointed president in 2008. However, he was controversially blocked in what some regarded as an anti-Russian move.[7]
Honours and awards
Order of Honour (19 November 2007) – for services to law-making, strengthening and development of the Russian state[8]
Pushkin Medal (21 July 2003) – for outstanding contribution to the socio-economic development of the city of Pskov, and in connection with the 1100 anniversary of its foundation[9]
By the President of the Russian Federation (30 March 1998) – for active participation in the preparation of the President's Address to the Federal Assembly in 1998
Honorary medal of the Federation Council, "For merits in the development of parliamentarism"
Badge "Honorary Worker of the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation" (2004) – for services to the development of cooperation with the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation