Born on October 12, 1960, in Dobele, the Latvian SSR. 

1983: graduated from Leningrad State University with a degree in Economics. PhD in Economics.

Before enrolling at Leningrad University, Mr Kudrin worked at the USSR Defence Ministry's Academy of Logistics and Transport in Leningrad as a motor-vehicle mechanic and a practical training instructor at the engines laboratory.

Upon graduating from the Economics Department of Leningrad State University, was a trainee researcher at the Institute of Social and Economic Problems of the USSR Academy of Sciences.

December 1985: began post-graduate studies at the Economics Institute of the USSR Academy of Sciences.

After defending a PhD thesis, engaged in research at the Institute of Social and Economic Problems of the USSR Academy of Sciences.

October 1990: Deputy Chairman of the Economic Reform Commission of the Leningrad Council's Executive Committee. When the Commission was disbanded, transferred to the Committee for the Management of the Leningrad Free Enterprise Area.

November 1991-1992: Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Economic Development.

August 1992-1993: Chairman of the Main Financial Directorate of St Petersburg City Hall (later renamed the Financial Committee).

1993-June 1996: Deputy Mayor, First Deputy Mayor, member of the City Government, and Chairman of the Economic and Finance Committee of St Petersburg City Hall.

August 1996: appointed Deputy Head of the Presidential Executive Office and Head of the Main Control Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation.

1997: appointed First Deputy Finance Minister of the Russian Federation.

January 1999: First Deputy Chairman of the Board of Russia's Unified Energy System.

June 1999: appointed First Deputy Finance Minister of the Russian Federation.

May 18, 2000: appointed Deputy Prime Minister - Finance Minister of the Russian Federation.

Chairman of the Finance Ministry board. Author of more than 15 research papers on competition and anti-monopoly policy in the Soviet economy of the transition period.

Married, with a daughter and a son.

Plays sports.