Vladimir Molchanov was born on the 1st of December 1946 in the city of Severouralsk, Sverdlovskiy region. He is a graduate of Sverdlovskiy Mining Institute  (1975) and University of Marxism-Leninism (1977). He began his working career at Severouralskiy bauxite mine (SUBR). For his big contribution to the development of raw-material base of   aluminium industry of the USSR  and improvement of SUBR organizational structure Molchanov V. was awarded the order “Znak Pochoyta” (“Plaque of Honour”)  (1984). He took part in accident management at Chernobilskiy atomic power station (1986), awarded the order of the Red Banner of Labour  (1986). In 1988 his position was deputy managing director of the industrial group «Tsentroshakhtrudstroy» within the association «Soyuzshakhtoprokhodka» responsible for material and technical supply and transport. After the break-up of the Soviet Union V. Molchanov contributed greatly to working efficiency of «Sevuralboksitruda» and succeeded in provision of stable regular bauxite supply to Ural aluminium plants in the situation of free market.

    It should be noted that in his position of the first deputy of Sverdlovskiy region administration head, responsible for coordination of economic activity, minister of industry and science of Sverdlovskiy region, V. Molchanov was in charge of a wide range of issues. His sphere of duties included enterprises and organizations of ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, refractory materials production, power industry, machine building and metals processing, chemical and petrochemical industry, precious stones and metals processing, light industry, textile industry, paper and pulp industry, woodworking industry, forestry, ore and gold mining industry, building industry and scientific research institutions.

    On the 2nd of April 2008 the Governor of Sverdlovskiy region Eduard Rossel dismissed Vladimir Molchanov from his position of first deputy chairman of Sverdlovskiy region administration in charge of coordination of regional economic activities by his order in connection with his voluntary retirement.

    Vladimir Molchanov worked in the capacity of Minister of Industry and Science since January 2004. Prior to that his position was first deputy of Sverdlovskiy region administration head (for two years), minister of ferrous metallurgy since 1999.