Before intelligence work, Lebedev served in the Army during 1966–72. He began his career in 1975 when he joined the KGB. He began duties in the First Chief Directorate (foreign intelligence) in 1975.
Lebedev was appointed as Director of the SVR on 20 May 2000. According to news reports, he was appointed to the post because President Vladimir Putin wanted "an intelligence chief whom he knows well and has confidence in". Putin and Lebedev met while serving in East Germany.[2]
CIS Executive Secretary (2007–present)
On 5 October 2007, Lebedev was elected the Executive Secretary of the Commonwealth of Independent States and succeeded Vladimir Rushailo.[3]
In 2019, powers as the Chairman of the CIS Executive Secretary were extended for 3 years.[4]