Welcome to our in-depth exploration of the remarkable financial journey of Leonid Mikhelson, a prominent figure in the global energy industry and one of Russia’s wealthiest individuals.
Today, we will delve into Leonid Mikhelson net worth, how he amassed it, and where he stands in 2023.
What is Leonid Mikhelson’s Net Worth and Salary in 2023?
Leonid Mikhelson has amassed a significant fortune through his various business ventures. As of 2023, Mikhelson’s net worth is estimated to be around $$21.6 billion, placing him as the 44th richest person in the world according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
This impressive wealth primarily stems from his 25% stake in Novatek, as disclosed in the company’s March 21, 2022 document.
While specific details about Mikhelson’s salary are not publicly available, it is evident that his vast fortune and successful business endeavors have solidified his position as one of the wealthiest individuals globally.
Leonid Mikhelson’s Overview
Early Life
Leonid Mikhelson was born on August 11, 1955, in Kaspiysk, a small town in the Republic of Dagestan, which was then part of the Soviet Union. He was the second child in a family of Jewish origin.
His father, Viktor Mikhelson, was a military engineer, and his mother, Praskovya Shirokova, worked as a nurse. Growing up during the Cold War era, Mikhelson’s childhood was marked by the turbulence of the Soviet Union.
His family moved frequently due to his father’s work, causing him to attend several schools across different cities. His parents’ divorce led to him being raised primarily by his mother, who made sacrifices to ensure he had access to education and opportunities.
Career
Leonid Mikhelson embarked on his illustrious career in 1977 after graduating with a degree in Industrial Civil Engineering from the Samara Institute of Civil Engineering.
He started as a foreman at a construction and assembling company in the Tyumen area of Siberia, working on the Urengoi-Chelyabinsk gas pipeline.
By 1985, Mikhelson had risen through the ranks to become the Chief Engineer of Ryazantruboprovodstroy, and just two years later, he was appointed General Director of Kuibishevtruboprovodstroy.
In 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Kuibishevtruboprovodstroy underwent privatization, becoming one of the first companies to do so.
Mikhelson continued as Managing Director at the newly renamed NOVA until October 1994, when he became General Director of its holding company, Novafinivest, which later evolved into NOVATEK.
Between 2008 and 2010, he was Chairman of the Board of Directors for OAO Stroytransgas and OOO Art Finance.
Currently, Mikhelson serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of ZAO SIBUR and sits on the Supervisory Board of OAO Russian Regional Development Bank.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Mikhelson acquired a stake in a privatized pipeline construction company, which eventually formed the basis for Novatek.
He also forged a business partnership with Russian billionaire Gennady Timchenko, a close confidante of Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Together, they became partners and majority shareholders in Novatek and Sibur, a gas processing and petrochemicals company with 26 production sites across Russia.
Mikhelson owns a 57.5% interest in Sibur and a 25% stake in Novatek, as disclosed in the company’s March 21, 2022 document.
Mikhelson was sanctioned by the UK government in 2022 for the Russo-Ukrainian War, and he is identified in the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), signed into legislation by President Donald Trump in 2017.
Art
In addition to his business ventures, Mikhelson has a strong interest in art, having established the V-A-C Foundation to promote contemporary Russian art.
The foundation has international ties with the New Museum in New York, the Tate Museum in the UK, and London’s Whitechapel Gallery.
A new center for contemporary arts and culture in Moscow, designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop, is set to open in 2021 under the V-A-C Foundation’s auspices.
Personal Life
Leonid Mikhelson is married to Lyudmila Mikhelson. The couple resides in Moscow, Russia, and have two children.
Their daughter, Victoria Mikhelson, studied art history at prestigious institutions such as New York University and London’s Courtauld Institute. The Mikhelsons share a strong interest in art and culture as a family.
Leonid is an avid art collector and sponsor of museum exhibits in Russia and the United States through the fund named after his daughter.
Toys
Among his most prized toys is the megayacht Pacific, a luxurious vessel that showcases his love for travel and leisure.
Mikhelson’s interest in art is also evident in his extensive collection, which he has generously shared with the public through his V-A-C Foundation and the GES-2 art space in Moscow.
This impressive venue, converted from a historic power plant at a cost of over $470 million, opened in late 2021 and stands as a testament to Mikhelson’s dedication to promoting contemporary Russian art.
Why is Leonid Mikhelson Famous?
Leonid Mikhelson is renowned as a Russian-Israeli billionaire businessman. As the founder, CEO, and chairman of Novatek, a prominent Russian gas company, Mikhelson has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry.
Beyond his business acumen, Mikhelson is also an avid art collector and philanthropist. His diverse accomplishments and contributions to business and art have solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in Russia and beyond.
FAQs about Leonid Mikhelson
How old is Leonid Mikhelson?
Leonid Mikhelson age is 67 years old.
How tall is Leonid Mikhelson?
Leonid Mikhelson height is 1,75 m.
How much are Russian billionaires worth?
According to Forbes Russia, the combined fortune of Russia’s billionaires has grown above $500 billion.
Who is the richest oligarch in Russia?
Russian oligarch Mikhail Gutseriev’s son Said Gutseriev is a British businessman. Forbes has listed him on their annual list of the world’s billionaires every year since 2018. His net worth is projected to be $1.7 billion in 2021.
Conclusion
Our deep dive into the extraordinary financial journey of Leonid Mikhelson has provided you with valuable insights into his impressive achievements. However, wealth and celebrity net worth extend far beyond a single individual.
On World Celebrity Net Worth, you can continue your exploration of captivating financial narratives.
