Who is Leonid Mikhelson?
Leonid Mikhelson, born in August 1955, is a prominent figure in the global energy sector, revered as the Chairman and major shareholder of Novatek, Russia’s largest natural gas producer. Balancing his professional life, Mikhelson is married to Lyudmilla and has two children, including his daughter Viktoria.
Key Takeaways:
- Leonid Mikhelson, Chairman of Novatek, is a significant figure in Russia’s energy industry.
- He transformed Novatek from a state-owned entity to a global natural gas giant.
- Mikhelson’s partnership with Gennady Timchenko highlights strategic business alliances.
- His ownership of Sibur marks his influence in the petrochemical industry.
- Mikhelson’s passion for art is evident in his establishment of the VAC Foundation.
- Recognized as Russia’s wealthiest man, Mikhelson’s net worth is estimated at $24 billion.
- He is the owner of the PACIFIC Yacht, and is building the 142-meter Project Alibaba.
Novatek’s Evolution
Under Mikhelson’s leadership, Novatek transformed from a state-owned pipeline construction enterprise into a powerhouse in the oil and gas industry. Mikhelson played a pivotal role from its inception, guiding Novatek through strategic expansions and diversifications. His efforts resulted in significant exploration and production licenses in the Yamal-Nenets region, propelling the company’s sales to approximately $10 billion with a substantial operating income.
Strategic Partnerships in Energy
Mikhelson’s vision extended to forming strategic alliances. His partnership with Gennady Timchenko, another major shareholder in Novatek, symbolizes a potent combination of resources and expertise in the energy sector. Their collaboration highlights a shared ambition in shaping Russia’s natural gas narrative.
Sibur: A Petrochemical Leader
Mikhelson’s business acumen is further exemplified in his majority ownership of Sibur, a leading gas processing and petrochemical company. With 26 production sites and over 26,000 employees, Sibur represents a critical component of Mikhelson’s industrial empire, cementing his status in the petrochemical sector.
The Mikhelson Art Collection
Venturing beyond industry, Mikhelson is an avid art collector and patron. He established the VAC Foundation (Viktoria – the Art of Being Contemporary), named after his daughter Viktoria Mikhelson. The foundation is dedicated to fostering Russian contemporary art on a global stage, signifying Mikhelson’s commitment to cultural endeavors.
Leonid Mikhelson’s Net Worth
With an estimated net worth of $24 billion, Forbes recognizes Mikhelson as Russia’s richest man. His financial stature is a testament to his successful ventures and strategic investments in both the energy and art worlds.
Resources
www.forbes.com/leonidmikhelson
wikipedia.org/LeonidMikhelson
www.v-a-c.ru
www.novatek.ru
www.private-jet-fan.com/russian_jet_owners
www.youtube.com/Pacificyacht
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