Mikhail Fridman's Biography

Mikhail Fridman is a Russian-Israeli billionaire businessman best known for co-founding Alfa Group, one of Russia's largest privately owned investment conglomerates. Born on April 21, 1964, in Lviv, Ukraine (then part of the Soviet Union), Fridman graduated from the Moscow Institute of Steel and Alloys. He began his entrepreneurial journey in the late 1980s, initially launching a window-washing business before venturing into finance and commodities. His first big break came with the formation of Alfa Group, which has grown into a diversified powerhouse with interests in banking (Alfa-Bank), retail (X5 Retail Group), telecommunications (VimpelCom/VEON), and energy (LetterOne). Fridman is recognized not only for his sharp business acumen but also for his philanthropic activities, supporting cultural, educational, and social causes through the Genesis Philanthropy Group. Despite his immense success, Fridman has faced significant challenges, including European Union and UK sanctions following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. He is also known for his passion for jazz music and chess, and once considered a career in music. Fridman's net worth has consistently placed him among Russia's wealthiest individuals, with a 2024 estimate of $12.4 billion according to Forbes. His career is marked by a combination of strategic vision, resilience, and a willingness to navigate complex political and economic landscapes.