What about Kosygin

Alexey Kosygin (premier 1964-1980) always appears to be the man behind the scenes- negotiating on behalf of the Soviet leadership but not really a household name as Brezhnev. So I wanted to learn more.

Archontology reports that he

"introduced reforms targeted at modernizing the Soviet economy...(and) placed emphasis on the production of consumer goods, but the reforms were not accomplished (because) Brezhnev did not favor expanding light industry at the expense of heavy industry, which served for the arms race in 1970s. (However), Kosygin helped preserve efficiency and discipline in the Soviet economy (at the time).

He is perhaps better remembered for his involvement in foriegn policy, helping establish Ostpoltik (a nonaggression declaration) with Germany's Willy Brandt. The policy divided Germany's leadership and helped Kosygin achieve certain foreign policy objectives several months down the line...

Kosygin appealed to the West European nations to seek independence
from the United States.” The Soviets had achieved their initial goal and were following through. On the chessboard of Europe, they had played masterfully and received recognition of Soviet control over East Europe and legitimacy for the East German regime. A secondary goal of “full recognition of the GDR” was well on its way to fruition, for by late 1972 several Scandinavian states and India were planning initial diplomatic relations with the G.D.R. Additionally, membership in the United Nations for both the G.D.R. and the Bonn government was being actively discussed. (Not to mention new trade markets for West Germany).

In addition, he was also involved in mediating a 1966 Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan and trying to restrain Israel's actions during the 1967 6-day war.
Some insight into his approach to foreign policy problems can be found in this 1979 transcript between him and then-Afghan President Taraki (nine months before the Soviets invaded)