Famous Russian Entrepreneurs

Roman Abramovich is a prominent Russian businessman and politician known for his ownership of Chelsea Football Club and leadership of the private investment company Millhouse. He previously served as Governor of Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. With a fluctuating net worth, he has been ranked among the wealthiest individuals in Israel. Abramovich gained wealth through strategic acquisitions of state-owned assets post-Soviet Union collapse. He is believed to have ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, though he has refuted these claims.

Mikhail Prokhorov is a prominent Russian-Israeli businessman with a significant impact on the metals industry. He acquired state-owned assets in post-Soviet Russia, leading to the establishment of Norilsk Nickel, a key player in nickel and palladium production. Prokhorov's influence extended to chairing Polyus Gold, Russia's largest gold producer, and leading Onexim Group as President. He also made a mark in politics by running for the Russian presidency in 2012 and later forming the Civic Platform party. Prokhorov's wealth places him among the world's richest individuals according to Bloomberg and Forbes.

Mikhail Khodorkovsky is an exiled Russian businessman, oligarch, and opposition activist. He rose to prominence in Russia as the founder of Bank Menatep and the oil company Yukos. Khodorkovsky's wealth peaked in the early 2000s, making him one of the richest individuals in the country. He later founded Open Russia, an organization focused on promoting civil society reforms in Russia. Khodorkovsky's career was marked by conflicts with the Russian government, leading to his arrest, imprisonment, and eventual release after international outcry. He continues to advocate for political reforms in Russia from his exile in London.

Dasha Zhukova is a prominent figure in the art world, known for her work as an art collector, businesswoman, and magazine editor. She is the founder of the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, a cultural institution in Moscow dedicated to contemporary art, and Garage Magazine, a publication that explores art, fashion, and culture. With her innovative approach and keen eye for emerging talent, Dasha has made significant contributions to the art and fashion industries, solidifying her reputation as a leading figure in both fields.

Evgeny Lebedev is a Russian-British businessman known for owning Lebedev Holdings Ltd, which includes the Evening Standard, ESTV, and being an investor in The Independent. In 2020, he was nominated for a life peerage by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for his philanthropy and contributions to the media industry. This move was met with criticism, but he was appointed as a crossbench life peer in the House of Lords, taking on the title of Baron Lebedev.

Oleg Deripaska is a Russian oligarch and billionaire known for enriching himself through the privatization of state-owned assets after the collapse of the Soviet Union. He founded Basic Element, a major industrial group, and Volnoe Delo, Russia's largest charitable foundation. Deripaska has been involved in the aluminum industry, notably founding Rusal in partnership with other entities. He faced financial challenges during the 2007-08 financial crisis and has been subject to sanctions from the U.S. and British governments due to geopolitical issues involving Russia.

Andrey Igorevich Melnichenko is a prominent Russian-Emirati billionaire entrepreneur known for founding and being the ex-beneficiary of EuroChem Group and SUEK, major players in the fertilizer and coal industries. He started his career by trading currency and later ventured into commodities, acquiring distressed assets in coal and fertilizers. Melnichenko's business acumen and strategic investments have propelled him to become one of the wealthiest individuals in Russia, with a significant presence in the global market.

Maria Butina is a Russian politician, political activist, journalist, and former entrepreneur. She was convicted in 2018 of acting as an unregistered foreign agent of Russia in the US. She worked as an assistant for Aleksandr Torshin, a former member of the Federation Council and deputy governor of the Central Bank of Russia. Butina aimed to infiltrate conservative groups, including the NRA, to promote Russian interests in the 2016 US presidential election. After being arrested in 2018, she pleaded guilty to felony charges and served time in prison before being deported back to Russia in 2019. In 2021, she was elected to the State Duma as a member of United Russia.

Alisher Usmanov is a prominent businessman and investor known for his success in metal and mining operations, as well as strategic investments. He holds a significant stake in Metalloinvest, a Russian industrial conglomerate, and is involved in various ventures including media, telecommunications, and technology. Usmanov co-founded Digital Sky Technologies (now Mail.ru Group) and has investments in international tech companies. He also served as the president of the Fédération Internationale d'Escrime. Despite legal challenges in the past, he has built a substantial business empire.

Miroslava Duma is a prominent Russian digital entrepreneur and investor in international fashion. She is renowned for founding Buro 24/7, a successful digital company, as well as being the CEO and founder of Future Tech Lab, a notable venture capital fund. With a strong presence in the fashion industry, Duma's professional life is characterized by her innovative approach to business and investment, making her a respected figure in the world of digital entrepreneurship and fashion investment.

Viktor Vekselberg is a prominent Russian oligarch, billionaire, and businessman known for his role as the owner and president of Renova Group, a major Russian conglomerate. With an estimated fortune of $9.3 billion as of November 2021, he is recognized as the 262nd richest person globally by Forbes. Vekselberg holds citizenship in Russia, Israel, and Cyprus. Through his leadership at Renova Group, he has made significant contributions to various industries and has established himself as a key figure in the business world.

Yuri Milner is a prominent entrepreneur, investor, physicist, and scientist. He co-founded Mail.Ru Group (now VK) and founded investment firm DST Global. Through DST Global, he has invested in major companies such as Facebook, Twitter, Airbnb, Spotify, and Alibaba. His personal investments include stakes in 23andMe, Habito, Planet Labs, and Cadre. Milner has made significant contributions to the tech and investment sectors, establishing himself as a key figure in the global business world.

Dmitry Yevgenyevich Rybolovlev is a Russian oligarch, billionaire businessman, and investor. He became chairman of Russian fertilizer producer Uralkali in 1995, later selling his majority share for $6.5 billion. Rybolovlev acquired a Palm Beach mansion from Donald Trump in 2008, investigated by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. He owns and serves as President of Monaco's AS Monaco football club. Rybolovlev was involved in a 10-year dispute with Swiss art dealer Yves Bouvier, resulting in criminal investigations in Switzerland, Monaco, and France, as well as a corruption scandal in Cyprus.

Arkadiy Abramovich is a Russian billionaire businessman and heir known for his role as the owner of ARA Capital, a private investment company. He has made a name for himself in the business world through his strategic investments and financial acumen. As a prominent figure in the industry, Abramovich has demonstrated a keen understanding of market trends and opportunities, contributing to the success and growth of ARA Capital. His professional endeavors have solidified his reputation as a skilled and influential businessman on the global stage.

Vladislav Doronin is a prominent Russian businessman known for his successful ventures in real estate development and art collection. He serves as the owner and chairman of Aman Resorts, a luxury hospitality brand, and holds key positions as chairman and CEO of OKO Group, a real estate development firm. As a co-founder of Moscow-based Capital Group, Doronin has made significant contributions to the business landscape through his strategic leadership and innovative approach to investment and development projects.

Eugene Kaspersky is a prominent Russian cybersecurity expert known for co-founding and leading Kaspersky Lab, a renowned IT security company with thousands of employees. He has played a crucial role in identifying government-sponsored cyberwarfare activities and has been a vocal advocate for an international treaty against cyberwarfare. With a background in mathematical engineering and computer technology, Kaspersky's interest in IT security was sparked by a computer virus incident in 1989. His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in the growth and success of Kaspersky Lab, where he has served as CEO since 2007.

Andrey Andreev is a multinational tech entrepreneur known for founding popular dating and social networking apps such as Bumble and Badoo. In 2019, he sold his apps' holding company, MagicLab, to Blackstone for $3 billion. He also founded the social audio app Stereo in 2020. Andreev's previous ventures include SpyLog, Begun, and Mamba. Through his innovative creations and successful business deals, Andreev has made a significant impact in the tech industry, particularly in the realm of social networking and online dating.

Boris Berezovsky was a Russian business oligarch, government official, engineer, and mathematician. He made his fortune in the 1990s through the privatization of state property in Russia, gaining control over assets such as Channel One, the country's main television channel. He played a role in funding the political party that formed Vladimir Putin's first parliamentary base and was elected to the Duma in 1999. Berezovsky later went into opposition following Putin's election, becoming a vocal critic of the Russian president. After facing legal troubles in Russia, he moved to the UK and was granted political asylum. Despite facing legal challenges, including a London High Court case against Roman Abramovich, Berezovsky remained a prominent figure in Russian politics until his death in 2013.

Alexander Grigoryevich Abramov is a prominent Russian businessperson known for his leadership at Evraz, a major steel producer in Russia. With vast experience in the industry since 1998, he has built a significant steel and iron empire, overseeing operations that employ thousands globally. His strategic vision has contributed to substantial steel output and impressive financial results, solidifying his reputation as a key player in the sector. Abramov's partnerships with notable figures like Aleksandr Frolov and Roman Abramovich underscore his influential position in the business world.

Tatyana Bakalchuk is a prominent Russian entrepreneur known for founding and leading Wildberries, the largest online retailer in Russia. She has achieved significant success in the business world, becoming the country's first self-made woman billionaire. With a net worth estimated at US$7.4 billion as of July 2024, Bakalchuk's leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in the growth and success of Wildberries, solidifying her reputation as a prominent figure in the e-commerce industry.

Vagit Alekperov is a prominent Russian-Azerbaijani businessman known for his long tenure as the President of Lukoil, a major oil company, from 1993 to 2022. With an estimated net worth of US$19.6 billion as of April 2021, he ranked among the wealthiest individuals globally. Alekperov also held ownership stakes in Spartak Moscow football club and Heesen Yachts. He has faced sanctions from several countries in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Alekperov is closely associated with fellow businessman Leonid Fedun.

Elvira Nabiullina is a prominent Russian economist who currently serves as the governor of the Central Bank of Russia. She has held key positions in the Russian government, including serving as President Vladimir Putin's economic adviser and as the Minister of Economic Development. Nabiullina is recognized for her expertise and influence in the global arena, being listed as one of the most powerful women in the world by Forbes. With a prestigious federal state civilian service rank, she has made significant contributions to the economic landscape of Russia.

Alexey Borisovich Miller is a prominent Russian businessman known for his role as the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Management Committee (CEO) at Gazprom, Russia's largest state-owned energy company. With extensive experience in the energy sector, Miller has played a key role in Gazprom's operations, contributing to its position as the world's largest public energy supplier. His leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in the company's growth and success on both national and international scales.

Vladimir Olegovich Potanin is a prominent Russian businessman known for his wealth amassed through the controversial loans-for-shares program in Russia during the early to mid-1990s. With a significant net worth, he has been consistently ranked among the wealthiest individuals in both Russia and the world. Potanin was previously associated with Mikhail Prokhorov in a long-term business partnership until their separation in 2007. Notably, he has appeared on various international lists and faced sanctions due to his close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Leonid Mikhelson is a prominent Russian-Israeli businessman known for his role as the CEO, chairman, and major shareholder of the Russian gas company Novatek. He established Novatek after acquiring a stake in a privatized pipeline construction company following the Soviet Union's collapse. Mikhelson is recognized for his business partnership with Gennady Timchenko and his close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. With a substantial net worth, he ranks among the wealthiest individuals globally and holds a prominent position within the Russian billionaire community.

German Borisovich Khan is a prominent Ukrainian-Russian billionaire and businessman known for his successful career in the financial and industrial sectors. He gained experience in wholesale trading before becoming the president of Alfa Eco within the Alfa Group Consortium. Khan played a key role in expanding the company's focus on exports and oil trade, leading to significant partnerships and investments, including the establishment of TNK-BP. Following the sale of TNK-BP, he co-founded LetterOne to invest in international projects and has been actively involved in philanthropic endeavors.

Viktor Stepanovich Chernomyrdin was a prominent Soviet and Russian politician and businessman. He served as the Minister of Gas Industry of the Soviet Union before becoming the chairman of Gazprom energy company and later the second-longest-serving Prime Minister of Russia. Chernomyrdin played a crucial role in the transition from a planned to a market economy in Russia during the 1990s. He also served as Russia's ambassador to Ukraine and later as a presidential adviser. Known for his distinctive language style, Chernomyrdin's sayings became popular aphorisms and idioms in the Russian language.

Ekaterina Rybolovleva is a prominent businesswoman, equestrian competitor, and socialite. She owns various businesses and properties, including those situated on Skorpios and Sparti islands. Rybolovleva is also known for her ownership of the football club AS Monaco FC through a trust bearing her name, with her father acting as the president. Additionally, she actively participates in equestrian competitions, showcasing her talent and dedication in the sport. Her professional endeavors reflect her success and influence in the business and sports worlds.

Alexander Yevgenievich Lebedev is a Russian businessman known as one of the country's oligarchs. He served as an officer in the Soviet Union's KGB before transitioning to Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service. Lebedev was once listed as one of the richest Russians by Forbes, with a peak net worth of $3.1 billion. He is a part owner of Novaya Gazeta and the owner of two UK newspapers, the Evening Standard and The Independent. However, his fortune has since declined, and he is no longer considered a billionaire.

Sergei Pavlovich Roldugin is a Russian cellist and businessman based in St Petersburg. Known for his close friendship with Vladimir Putin, Roldugin has been involved in various money laundering and offshore wealth schemes for Russian elites. He has faced allegations of illicit financial activities and has been implicated in scandals related to his business dealings. Following the European Union's sanctions against Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Roldugin was specifically targeted and faced consequences for his actions.

Pyotr Aven is a prominent Russian businessman, economist, and politician with Latvian citizenship. He previously led Alfa-Bank, Russia's largest commercial bank, before resigning in March 2022 to assist in avoiding sanctions. Aven is recognized as one of the wealthiest individuals globally and has been involved in high-level meetings with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, particularly during challenging times such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He has faced sanctions from both the EU and the US but has contested these measures through legal avenues.

Igor Viktorovich Makarov is the President of ARETI International Group, previously the founder of ITERA International Group. A former professional cyclist, he has been a key supporter and sponsor of international cycling post-retirement. Makarov serves on the UCI Management Committee since 2011. With a net worth of $2.2 billion, he renounced Russian citizenship for Cypriot in 2023. Despite being sanctioned by the UK government in 2022 due to the Russo-Ukrainian War, he successfully challenged and had the sanctions removed in 2024.

Pavel Mikhaylovich Tretyakov was a prominent Russian businessman, patron of art, collector, and philanthropist. He is best known for his significant contributions to the art world, particularly through the establishment of the Tretyakov Gallery and Tretyakov Drive in Moscow. Tretyakov dedicated his life to supporting artists and preserving Russian cultural heritage, amassing a remarkable collection of artworks that continues to inspire and educate visitors to the gallery. His legacy as a passionate advocate for the arts remains enduring and influential in the world of Russian art.

Dmitry Mazepin is a prominent Belarusian-Russian oligarch businessman known for his role as the former owner and CEO of Uralchem. He has been recognized as one of Russia's wealthiest businesspeople and was featured on Forbes magazine's list. Mazepin's professional trajectory includes significant success in the business world, with a wealth estimated at $800 million in 2021. However, his career has been marred by sanctions imposed by the European Union and the United Kingdom in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in March 2022.

Aras Iskanderovich Agalarov is an Azerbaijani Russian billionaire real estate developer. He was listed as the 51st richest Russian in 2015 according to Forbes. Often referred to as a Russian oligarch, Agalarov has made a significant impact in the real estate industry through his successful projects and investments. His professional endeavors have solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in the business world, showcasing his strategic vision and entrepreneurial skills.

Gustav Fabergé was a renowned Russian jeweler of Baltic German descent. He founded his own successful jewelry business in Saint Petersburg, where he specialized in creating exquisite and intricate jewelry pieces. His craftsmanship and attention to detail quickly gained him recognition and a notable clientele. His dedication to his craft and innovative designs set the foundation for the future success of the Fabergé brand. Gustav's legacy was carried on by his son, Peter Carl Fabergé, who later became famous for his iconic Fabergé eggs.

Vladimir Aleksandrovich Gusinsky is a prominent Russian media tycoon known for founding the Media-Most holding company. Under his leadership, the company encompassed various media outlets such as the NTV free-to-air channel, the newspaper Segodnya, and several magazines. Gusinsky played a significant role in shaping the media landscape in Russia, with his ventures making a notable impact on the industry. His work in establishing and managing these media entities solidified his reputation as a key figure in the Russian media sector.

André Tchelistcheff was America's most influential post-Prohibition winemaker known for defining California's best wines, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. Referred to as the "dean of American winemakers," he mentored industry pioneers and advised key figures in the wine industry, such as Warren Winiarski of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. Tchelistcheff's expertise and guidance played a significant role in the success of various wineries, including the iconic 1973 SLV Cabernet Sauvignon from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, which won the acclaimed "Judgement of Paris" wine tasting in 1976.

Natalya Kaspersky is a prominent figure in the Russian IT industry, known for her role as the co-founder and former CEO of antivirus security software company Kaspersky Lab. She currently serves as the President of the InfoWatch Group of companies. With a reputation for being one of the wealthiest women in Russia, Kaspersky is recognized for her entrepreneurial spirit and influential leadership within the technology sector. Her contributions have solidified her position as a key player in shaping the landscape of cybersecurity and IT in Russia.

Farkhad Akhmedov is an Azerbaijani-Russian businessman and former politician in Russia. He served as a representative in the Federation Council of the Russian Federation before leaving his political role in 2009. Throughout his professional career, Akhmedov has been actively involved in business ventures and political activities, leveraging his expertise and connections in both Azerbaijan and Russia. His contributions to the business and political landscape have established him as a prominent figure in the region, shaping various initiatives and policies during his tenure.

Rem Vyakhirev was a prominent Russian businessman who served as the chairman of Gazprom from 1992 to 2001. During his tenure, he played a key role in shaping the company's direction and policies. However, he was forced to resign in May 2001 due to Putin's consolidation of economic power. Despite his departure, Vyakhirev left a lasting legacy at Gazprom, paving the way for his successor, Alexey Miller, to continue his work and lead the company into the future.

Savva Ivanovich Mamontov was a prominent figure in Russian industrial, commercial, and artistic circles. He made significant contributions as an industrialist, establishing successful businesses and industries. As a merchant and entrepreneur, Mamontov played a key role in developing Russia's economy and trade networks. He was also known for his patronage of the arts, supporting various artists, musicians, and theatrical productions. Mamontov's professional endeavors left a lasting impact on Russian society, shaping the country's economic and cultural landscape during his lifetime.

Yelena Baturina is an international billionaire businesswoman and philanthropist of Russian origin. She founded Inteco, an investment and construction company, in 1991. With a fortune of $1.2 billion, she was the richest woman in Russia until February 2020. Baturina is based in Austria and was married to Yury Luzhkov, the former mayor of Moscow. She has made significant contributions to various industries through her business ventures and continues to be involved in philanthropic endeavors.

Olga Kay is a Russian-American Internet celebrity, performer, and entrepreneur. Trained as a professional circus juggler, she transitioned to acting and video creation. In 2006, she began her YouTube channel, which featured popular shows like Emo Girl and Olga Kay's Show. Over the years, she expanded her content to include gaming and fashion, amassing a combined total of approximately one million subscribers by 2013. Kay has also appeared in web series such as MyMusic and Annoying Orange, collaborated with various entertainers, and launched her own media and retail company, Moosh Walks, to empower her female fan base.

Goga Ashkenazi is a prominent Kazakh businesswoman known for her leadership in the oil and gas industry through MunaiGaz Engineering Group. Additionally, she has made a mark in the fashion world as the head of the Milan-based fashion label Vionnet since 2012. Her professional endeavors showcase her versatility and success in both the energy sector and the fashion industry, highlighting her entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen in diverse fields.

Boris Romanovich Rotenberg is a prominent Russian businessman and oligarch known for his co-ownership of the SGM group, a leading construction company in Russia specializing in gas pipelines and electrical power supply lines. He has been recognized for his significant wealth and close association with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Rotenberg has faced sanctions from the United States and the UK following Russia's actions in Crimea and Ukraine. His professional trajectory is marked by his leadership in the construction industry and his political connections at the highest levels of the Russian government.

Roman Ivanovich Avdeev is a prominent Russian businessman known for his success as an investor and philanthropist. His estimated fortune in 2018 was $1.5 billion, showcasing his financial acumen and strategic investment decisions. Avdeev has made a significant impact in the business world through his successful ventures and contributions to various philanthropic causes. He is recognized for his business acumen, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to giving back to society through his philanthropic endeavors.

Herman Oskarovich Gref is a prominent Russian politician and businessman known for his extensive experience in both government and private sector roles. He served as the Minister of Economics and Trade of Russia for over seven years before assuming the position of CEO and chairman of the executive board at Sberbank, the largest bank in Russia. Gref's leadership at Sberbank has been instrumental in shaping the financial landscape in the country, solidifying his reputation as a key figure in Russia's economic development.

Telman Ismailov is a prominent businessman and entrepreneur of Mountain Jewish descent. He is known for his leadership as the chairman of the Russian AST Group of companies, which operates in various countries. Ismailov previously owned the Cherkizovsky Market in Moscow, which was one of Europe's largest marketplaces until 2009. With his Russian-Turkish citizenship due to Azerbaijan's restrictions on dual citizenship, Ismailov continues to make significant contributions to the business world through his various ventures and investments.

Iskander Makhmudov is a prominent Uzbek-born Russian businessman known for his significant wealth. He has made a name for himself in various industries, demonstrating prowess in business operations and investments. Makhmudov's success is evidenced by his substantial net worth, which places him among the wealthiest individuals globally. His entrepreneurial spirit and strategic acumen have propelled him to the upper echelons of the business world, solidifying his position as a key figure in the economic landscape.

Alfred Reingoldovich Kokh, also known as Alfred Reingoldowitsch Koch, is a multifaceted professional with experience in statesmanship, writing, mathematics, economics, and business. He held key positions in the Russian government, serving as the head of the Federal Agency for State Property Management and as a deputy prime minister under Viktor Chernomyrdin. Throughout his career, Alfred Koch has demonstrated a strong understanding of economic principles, strategic management, and public administration, making significant contributions to the governance and economic development of Russia.

Roman Borisovich Rotenberg is a prominent figure in the world of ice hockey and sports business. He holds key positions in various organizations, such as being the first vice-president of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation, general manager of the Russia national ice hockey team, and deputy chairman of several boards. Rotenberg is also involved in sports marketing, media, and equipment markets as the founder of multiple companies. His diverse roles span from executive positions in hockey clubs to consultancy in communications for Gazprom Export.

Boris Iosifovich Mints is a prominent Russian oligarch known for his involvement in real estate and finance sectors. He is also recognized as the co-founder of Otkritie FC Bank. With a distinguished federal state civilian service rank of 1st class Active State Councillor of the Russian Federation, Mints has made a name for himself as a vocal critic of Vladimir Putin and the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. His professional career is marked by his active role in the financial and business landscape of Russia, alongside his outspoken advocacy for political reform.

Pavel Pavlovich Demidov, 2nd Prince of San Donato, was a prominent Russian industrialist, jurist, and philanthropist of the House of Demidov. He made significant contributions to the industrial sector, establishing various successful business ventures. As a jurist, he played a key role in shaping legal frameworks and promoting justice in society. Known for his philanthropic endeavors, he supported numerous charitable causes and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of others. Demidov's professional legacy is marked by his dedication to industry, law, and philanthropy.