Yes, 95% of governors are from the old system of popular elections dating back to perestroyka times, so mostly the governors are chosen by the ability to deliver populist message most vocally. Say, when UK was bullying Lugovoy and he was all over TV, the guy had a chance to become a governor in half of Russian regions had Russia still have popular elections.

For new appointments, it is hard to tell if there is a pattern from such a small set of appointees: some, like Boos in Kaliningrad, are imports from Moscow, some, as it seems, are suggested by local elites/legislations.

Tendency seems to be to have competent managers appointed. Also some time ago there were noises about having a formal rating system which could be used to weed out under performing governors.

BTW, "managed democracy" is a hostile frame usually used by Lukas and alike.