Ukrainian independent firm Magister & Partners has secured its second big-name hire in as many weeks, appointing leading academic Sergey Karaganov as a senior adviser.

Karaganov’s appointment comes just two weeks after Jason Bruzdzinski joined the firm as chief operating officer from US-funded think-tank Mitre Corporation.

Karaganov specialises in Russian foreign and defence policies, as well as the economic aspects of Russia’s relations with other European countries. He is a member of the Russian Ministry of Defence’s public council and also a member of the international advisory board of UniCredit Group.

As senior adviser, Karaganov will advise Magister’s clients on how to grow their businesses in Russia and the Ukraine. The firm’s client roster includes ABN Amro, Shell and Citigroup.