In 1994, Ivanov graduated from the Academy of National Economy under the Government of Russia with a degree in financial management.
In 1998, he earned a bachelor's degree from the Far Eastern State Maritime Academy.
In 2001, he graduated from the New Humanitarian University of Natalia Nesterova where he studied psychological sciences.
On 18 September 2001, Ivanov was appointed deputy governor of Primorsky Krai.
[3] On 28 January 2004, Ivanov was vested with the powers of a member of the Federation Council, serving as a representative of the executive authority of Primorsky Krai.