Russia’s Business Star

You’ve probably already read enough about Russian billionaires who flaunt their fur coats and luxury cars, but this man defies all the stereotypes you’ve seen before. Roman Abramovich built his fortune from risky and unparalleled investments which turned into lucrative businesses, making him the billionaire he is today.

He is best known outside his native Russia as the owner of Chelsea Football Club, one of the world’s most renowned. He acquired the prominent club in 2003 for $105 million, and though he has spent millions funding it, his life was not always so extravagant.

This remarkable businessman lost his parents at a young age, which made him into a strong and resilient teenager since he had to rely on himself. He began his journey as a street trader and then became a mechanic, but his multi-billion dollar business began while he was serving in the Russian army.

Mr. Abramovich used his connections in the early 1990s to acquire a 50% stake in the Siberian Oil Co known as Sibneft for about $100 million. He then started to make investments in aluminum, the automobile industry, and the Russian airline Aeroflot. This sharp-witted business mind also made billions from the dividends and stock sales of his important stakes in steel giant Evraz and Norilsk Nickel.

^{_{Owner of Chelsea Football Club, Roman Abramovich}}

From street merchant to one of the world’s top billionaires and source of Russia’s pride, Abramovich ranks as the 11th wealthiest person in the country at the mere age of 52. His current net worth of $15.9 billion has enabled him to own the world's second-largest yacht, the 533-foot Eclipse, which he bought for nearly $400 million in 2010; he also owns a custom Boeing 767-300, as well as pieces of art by Picasso.

Yet remarkably, he has also donated more than $2.5 billion for schools, hospitals, and infrastructure since 1999- a billionaire who has prioritized strengthening his country and whose heart is painted with the colors of the Russian flag.

^{_{Mr. Abramovich with his son Aaron during a Chelsea FC game}}

Roman Abramovich may have become a public figure, but his sole focus will always be on his work and his businesses. He once said that “I never aspired to be a public figure. I have always been interested primarily in business and the development of business strategies”.

We cannot deny the powerful businessman he is, and neither can we negate the fact that his perseverance and determination molded him into the tycoon he is today. No wonder he is one of Russia’s most famous- Roman Abramovich is worth billions but has never allowed his wealth to make him forget what truly matters to him- determination, passion, and patriotism.