Introduction to Vladimir Potanin
Meet Vladimir Potanin, an influential Russian businessman, and one of the renowned oligarchs who have significantly shaped Russia’s economic and political landscape. Born in January 1961, Potanin accumulated his substantial fortune primarily through Russia’s loans-for-shares program. He shares his life with his wife, Ekaterina, and their five children: Anastasiya, Ivan, Vasily, Barbara, and Vladimir Jr.
Key Takeaways:
- Vladimir Potanin is a prominent Russian oligarch with an estimated net worth of $26 billion.
- He was a notable owner of three super-yachts, Anastasia, Barbara, and Nirvana, signaling his significant wealth and status.
- His company, Interros, owns a 30% stake in the Russian Nickel giant, Norilsk Nickel.
- Potanin’s philanthropic efforts are channeled through his VladimirPotanin Foundation.
- He underwent what has been termed as ‘the most expensive divorce’ with his ex-wife, Natalia Potanina.
- The luxury yacht Anastasia, named after his daughter, was sold and renamed Wheels by its new owner, Ralf Schmid.
Vladimir Olegovich Potanin’s Lavish Fleet
Notable among Potanin’s many assets are his luxury yachts. At one time, Potanin boasted ownership of three super-yachts: Anastasia, Barbara, and Nirvana. These impressive vessels are often considered symbols of the opulence and power that come with being an oligarch. Potanin sold his yacht, Anastasia, to businessman Ralf Schmid, who rechristened the vessel as Wheels.
The Interros Empire and Norilsk Nickel
Potanin’s influence extends far beyond the maritime world. He is the owner of Interros, a company that controls a 30% stake in the Russian Nickel giant, Norilsk Nickel. Additionally, in 2014, Potanin sold ProfMedia, Russia’s largest media group that he owned at the time. ProfMedia holds substantial media assets, including magazines, radio stations, movie theaters, and it also broadcasts Russian versions of international channels like MTV and VH1.
Vladimir Potanin’s Net Worth and Philanthropic Ventures
With an estimated net worth of $26 billion, Vladimir Potanin stands as the richest man in Russia. His wealth and influence have also made him a key figure in several significant projects, including personally financing the construction of the Rosa Hutor ski resort, which was a primary venue for the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi. Potanin is also a notable philanthropist, giving back to society through his VladimirPotanin Foundation.
Repercussions of an Expensive Divorce
In 2014, Vladimir Potanin and his ex-wife, Natalia Potanina, ended their marriage in what was later termed as ‘the most expensive divorce.’ Natalia sought a staggering $7 billion in the divorce lawsuit, but her claim was dismissed by a Moscow district court, citing that the lawsuit’s limitation period had lapsed.
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