Roman Abramovich: biography, personal life, success story

• October 31, 2018
• Success stories
• Olga Ivanovna

Perhaps one of the most interesting people in the business world is Roman Abramovich. The biography of this extraordinary man is intriguing and inspiring. Where was the famous billionaire born and how did he grow up? How did he earn his first money? How did you come to world fame?

Childhood

Perhaps we should start with Abramovich's name. His full name is Roman Arkadyevich. He was born on October 24, 1966 in the family of an employee of the Economic Council and a music teacher. The parents of the future billionaire, Arkady Abramovich and Irina Mikhailenko, met in Saratov. After the wedding they left for Syktyvkar. Irina gave birth to a son, Roman, in Saratov, after which she returned to Syktyvkar.

Irina Abramovich died of leukemia when her son was only 1 year old. Arkady Abramovich survived his wife by only a year and a half. During a cleanup day, a reinforced concrete slab fell on him, which was the cause of his death. Thus, little Roman Abramovich remained an orphan. He was taken in by his uncle Leib Abramovich, who worked as the head of supply for Pechorles in the city of Ukhta. After finishing second grade, Roman was taken by another uncle, Abram Abramovich, to Moscow, where the future businessman graduated from high school.

According to the recollections of teachers and classmates, Roman was quite quiet and did not make much progress in his studies. But already at school age he showed his first commercial inclinations - he sold cigarettes and was a farce.

Childhood and youth

The future businessman was born in Saratov on October 24, 1966. The billionaire’s childhood cannot be called easy: at the age of four the boy was left an orphan. Although he was born into a Jewish family, his USSR passport indicated “Russian” in the nationality column. Abramovich’s mother died when her son was barely a year old, and 3 years later, the father of the family died as a result of an accident at a construction site.

After this tragedy, the boy was taken in by his mother’s brother, who worked in Ukhta. There the man was in charge of the timber supply department. Because of this, little Roma spent most of his childhood in the Komi Republic.

In 1974, Abramovich moved to the Russian capital, where he stayed with his paternal uncle. After graduating from Moscow school No. 232, Abramovich went to serve in the army. He completed his military service with the rank of private in the air defense forces. In 1976, the young man returned to Ukhta, where he soon entered the Industrial University at the Faculty of Forestry. Roman was not interested in his future profession, but already at that time he began to show good organizational skills.

Abramovich never received a higher education, but this did not in any way affect his future life and career.

Student years

His student years are not the brightest part of Roman Abramovich’s biography. After school, he decided to follow in the footsteps of his uncle Leib Abramovich, enrolling in the forestry engineering department of the Ukhta Industrial Institute. But due to lack of interest in studying and poor academic performance, he never received a diploma.

From 1984 to 1986, Abramovich served in military service at the air defense training center in Bogodukhov in the Kharkov region. Afterwards, he studied at the evening department of the Moscow Automobile and Road Institute for six months. In 2000 he received a diploma from the Moscow Law Academy.

Acquired and incomplete education

Abramovich had to graduate from Moscow school; Roman returned to Ukhta to receive higher education. Apparently, two years in the army, and Abramovich served in the artillery troops of the Vladimir region, completely weaned Roman from his desk, since the forestry engineering department of the Ukhta Industrial Institute remained the unconquered peak of the future oligarch.

Roman Abramovich

Abramovich's classmates recall that Roman was a year younger than them, but despite his age, he showed leadership and organizational qualities. Abramovich's biography mentions the fact that already in the army he knew how to establish communications through cunning and gifts that his uncle brought him from the capital. In photographs from those years, Abramovich looks quite well-fed and satisfied with life.

Carier start

After the army, the biography of Roman Abramovich has undergone changes. In 1988, the young man headed the Uyut cooperative, which specialized in the production of rubber toys. In 1991-1993, he became the head of the small enterprise AVK, which provided intermediary services, including the resale of petroleum products.

In 1992, a criminal case was opened against Roman Abramovich, and he was taken into custody. The businessman was suspected of stealing diesel fuel from the Ukhta oil refinery in the amount of 4 million rubles. But since the damage was compensated by the recipient of the fuel, and Abramovich actively cooperated with the investigation, by the end of the year he was released for lack of evidence of a crime.

After his release, Abramovich worked as director of Petroltrans, and also headed the representative office of the Swiss company RUNICOM SA

Partnership with Boris Berezovsky

An important page in the biography of Roman Abramovich is his collaboration with Boris Berezovsky. In 1996, they established several companies. In particular, they began to create an oil company based on the Omsk Oil Refinery and Noyabrskneftegaz. In 1996, Abramovich became the head of one of the Sibneft representative offices. And in 2005, he sold 73% of the company’s shares to Gazprom, for which he received $13 billion.

In 2012, there was a split in the relationship between Abramovich and Berezovsky. The latter tried to prove through the High Court of London that, under pressure, he sold Sibneft shares at a price below the market price, demanding compensation of $5.5 billion in damages. But Abramovich managed to prove his innocence, Berezovsky lost the trial, and his claims were not satisfied.

Political career

Since 1999, Abramovich entered politics and became a State Duma deputy in the Chukotka single-mandate electoral district. In the elections he had a fairly large percentage of the votes, since he was known there for his entrepreneurial activities.

From 2001 to 2008, Abramovich was the governor of Chukotka. His powers were terminated early by President Dmitry Medvedev. Nevertheless, after 5 years, Roman Arkadyevich returned to big politics, becoming Chairman of the Duma in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug.

After the adoption of the law banning having property outside Russia (in 2013), Roman Abramovich left politics. The local population has quite pleasant memories of him, because he spent a lot of effort and money on the development of the region.

Biography of Roman Abramovich

On December 24, 2000, Roman Abramovich was elected governor of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. In October 2005, the President of Russia submitted Abramovich's candidacy to the Chukotka Duma for consideration to re-entrust him with the powers of governor. Deputies approved Abramovich's candidacy unanimously.

As head of the administration of the Chukotka District, Abramovich initiated a number of programs aimed at improving the socio-economic situation in the district and raising the standard of living of the local population.

In October 2005, Roman Abramovich sold Gazprom a 72.66% stake in the oil company. The transaction amount was $13.1 billion.

On December 20, 2006, Roman Abramovich turned to President Vladimir Putin with a request to terminate his powers as governor, but the resignation was not accepted.

On July 3, 2008, by decree of President Dmitry Medvedev, Abramovich's gubernatorial powers were terminated early at his own request.

On October 12, 2008, in a by-election in one of the majoritarian constituencies, he was elected as a deputy of the Chukotka District Duma, gaining 96.99% of the votes in the elections. On October 22, deputies elected Abramovich as chairman of the district Duma.

On March 13, 2011, on a single voting day, he was again elected as a deputy of the legislative body of Chukotka. On March 29, he was approved as Chairman of the Duma of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug.

On July 2, 2013, it became known that Roman Abramovich voluntarily resigned as a deputy and speaker of the parliament of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug due to the law banning officials from having property abroad.

With a net worth of $7.6 billion, Abramovich ranks 151st in the Forbes 2021 world ranking.

In the ranking of “Russia’s Richest Businessmen” in 2021, he ranks 13th.

According to Forbes data for 2021, Roman Abramovich’s capital is made up of metallurgical and mining (31%), Channel One (24%). Together with his partner in Evraz, Alexander Abramov, he owns 5.87% of the shares of Norilsk Nickel.

He is the owner of real estate in the UK, France and the USA.

Since 2003, he has owned the English football club Chelsea. In 2015, Forbes valued the team at $1.37 billion.

Experts estimate Abramovich's art collection is worth at least $1 billion.

The billionaire also owns one of the largest private yachts, Eclipse, which was worth $400 million at the time of purchase in 2010, and a Boeing 767 aircraft.

Roman Abramovich - Honorary Citizen of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug.

Awarded the Order of Honor, the medal “60 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War”, the medal “For Merit in Conducting the All-Russian Population Census”, the region’s highest honorary badge “For Merit to Chukotka”, has certificates, gratitude, and insignia of state and municipal authorities .

Roman Abramovich's first wife was Olga Lysova; there were no children in the marriage. Second wife - Irina Malandina. From his second marriage, Abramovich has five children: three daughters and two sons. The marriage was dissolved in 2007.

In 2009, Roman Abramovich and his common-law wife Daria Zhukova had a son, Aaron Alexander, and in 2013, a daughter, Leya.

The material was prepared based on information from RIA Novosti and open sources

Israeli citizen

For quite a long time Abramovich lived in London. Nevertheless, there was an attack by the British government on the interests of the businessman. Russia came out in his defense at the highest level. However, Abramovich had difficulty renewing his visa.

The businessman has Jewish roots, and therefore has the right to immigrate. Abramovich received Israeli citizenship without any problems, which gives him the right to visa-free entry into many countries, including the UK, which previously refused to extend his visa. Moreover, as a new repatriate, he is exempt from paying taxes for 10 years.

What does Abramovich do in Israel? He conducts commercial and charitable activities. He also invests large sums in real estate and the high-tech sector. However, Abramovich does not live in Israel. He left the country almost immediately after receiving his identity card.

Billionaire's hobby

There is no mention of Roman Abramovich's autobiography in official sources. However, his hobbies are well known to the public. One of the businessman’s main passions is football. In 2003, he became the owner of the English FC Chelsea. He made a lot of efforts to develop the club, but does not forget about supporting Russian football. In particular, he is one of the sponsors of the Russian team.

Abramovich has a private Boeing, which was purchased and completely refurbished at the request of the businessman. He also has a personally built Airbus plane and three helicopters. And, of course, one cannot fail to mention the billionaire’s love for luxury expensive cars.

Abramovich's yachts

Another expensive hobby of Abramovich is yachts. He owns five luxury vessels, which in informal circles are called “Abramovich’s fleet.” He bought his first yachts Stream and Sophie's Choice in 1999 from Boris Berezovsky.

Two years later, the “fleet” is replenished with Le Grand Bleu for 50 million pounds. The ship is equipped with two helipads and a sailboat. The billionaire sent it to Germany for refurbishment. Thus, the original length (107 meters) was increased by 4 meters. The businessman traveled on this yacht across the Pacific Ocean, and also sailed to Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires.

Abramovich's next purchase is a 115-metre vessel for £57 million. This is more than just a yacht. It is equipped with two helipads, a missile defense system, and all glass is made of bulletproof glass. The luxury of the ship is also striking. All floors are covered with expensive wooden parquet, there is a sauna and an indoor pool. The yacht can accommodate 22 guests and 42 staff members.

The 86-meter Ecstasea is the fastest ship in Abramovich’s fleet. Four interconnected diesel engines and a gas turbine allow the yacht to reach speeds of more than 40 knots.

Not only the collection of yachts is amazing, but also the amounts that the billionaire spends on their maintenance and service. According to experts, at least 10% of its cost is spent annually on each vessel.

Yachts of Roman Abramovich

A list of the mystery man’s property, like his life, would not be complete without mentioning his most expensive “toys.” Abramovich's fortune as of 2021 allows him to own several expensive yachts that are included in the lists of the “best of”:

• yacht Eclipse yacht (Eclipse) 170 m long - its cost, according to various estimates, varies within astronomical amounts and ranges from $1000,000,000 to $3,000,000,000. The vessel is the longest private motor yacht in the world and it was here that the businessman and his third wife lived 2 months before her first birth, moored in Hudson Bay;
• yacht Luna (Moon) - the younger sister of the Eclipse, its cost is $800,000,000; is the largest expedition ship in the world; In the photos circulating on the Internet, Abramovich’s yacht impresses with its luxurious decoration.

In numerous photographs and rare videos, paparazzi filmed Abramovich in the company of his wife, as well as private parties. The technical characteristics of the vessels are impressive: for example, the yacht “Eclipse” has a displacement of 9,500 tons and can reach speeds of up to 26 sea knots.

In addition, Roman Abramovich’s fortune over the years was represented by several other yachts:

• the yacht Ecstasea is a mollusk in the world of Abramovich’s large-sized sea “monsters”; its cost is estimated at $82,000,000, and its name consists of two words Ecstasy and Sea;
• yacht Le Grand Bleu - another baby with a helipad costs $64,000,000;
• Abramovich's yacht Pelorus - purchased from a Saudi sheikh at a price of $130,000,000;
• yachts Sussurro and Olympia - both purchased in 2002 for $50,000,000 each;
• yachts Sophie's and Choice Stream became the businessman's first personal vessels; Abramovich bought both yachts from Boris Berezovsky.

Annual maintenance of yachts costs Roman Arkadyevich more than $50,000,000, and their maintenance would be quite unprofitable if the businessman did not rent out the vessels. You can rent Eclipse, for example, for $2,000,000 per week.

Little Roman Abramovich

Little Roman Abramovich

Wedding of Roman Abramovich and Olga Lysova (first marriage)

Roman Abramovich with ex-wife Daria Zhukova

Roman Abramovich with ex-wife Daria Zhukova

Roman Abramovich's son Arkady followed in his father's footsteps. At 25 years old he manages large corporations.

Roman Abramovich with his son

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Real estate

Studying the biography of Abramovich, you will probably be interested in the real estate that he owns. Here are just some of the objects owned by Abramovich:

• villas in West Sussex worth a total of £28 million;
• a £29m penthouse in Kensington;
• houses in France worth a total of £15 million;
• a five-storey £11m Belgravia mansion;
• a six-storey £18m Knightsbridge cottage;
• houses in St Tropez worth £40 million;
• dachas in the Moscow region worth a total of 8 million pounds sterling.

Personal life of Roman Abramovich

The activities of such a bright personality are impossible without love and beautiful women. A rather interesting part of Roman Abramovich’s biography is his personal life. He was married three times. Not much is known about his first wife, Olga Lysova; she did not have any children together with the businessman.

The second wife is Irina Malandina, a former flight attendant. Over the years of their marriage, they had five children. In 2007, the couple divorced, and property was divided by mutual consent.

The businessman’s third wife is designer Daria Zhukova, the daughter of a famous entrepreneur. Two children were born in this marriage. In 2021, the couple divorced, remaining close friends and partners in some business projects.

Roman Abramovich Education:

Young Abramovich, like most children of his age and background, studied at the Ukhta State School (pictured below).

Unlike his peers, he had an innate sense of business, a trait that made him recognize the importance of money and the benefits that come from saving it.

Consequently, he soon entered the world of business, selling toys and used car tires, while continuing his education at the Ukhta Technical College and then at the prestigious Moscow Gubkin Institute of Oil and Gas.

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Lorenzo Sanz Childhoood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts

Advice from Roman Abramovich

Many people who dream of achieving success in business re-read the biography of Roman Abramovich on Wikipedia. But it will also be useful to familiarize yourself with the billionaire’s statements and advice. Namely:

• To achieve something in life, you need to clearly know what you want, and also achieve a match between desires and possibilities.
• Don't hesitate in making decisions and actions. Don't waste time, because these are missed opportunities.
• Be sure to dream. Otherwise, you won't have anything to strive for.
• Of course, money is not the key to happiness. But they guarantee freedom of action and independence.
• Don't neglect loyal and reliable people. There are not many of them in life.
• If you want your employees to work well, give them a share in the common cause - this is the best incentive.
• There is no need to argue with government authorities. You need to share your wealth with her, then she will be loyal.
• Any goals can be achieved through constructive communication.
• Modesty is an important human quality. Everyone should be clearly aware of what is allowed and what is not.
• A crisis is a time of great opportunity.
• You shouldn't live in the past. The most anger and negativity comes from those people who constantly replay past grievances in their heads. Forget all the troubles and move forward.
• You should not frantically fight against adversity, because this deprives you of strength. Just move on with your life.
• A person's greatest gift is the ability to leave on time.
• Talk a little and write a lot - this is how you will succeed.

Kompromat.Ru ®

Original of this material © Scandaly.Ru, 12/15/2006

Man & wallet

Photo album of Roman Abramovich

At 40 years old, Roman Abramovich is the richest man in Russia, a prominent statesman whose word has not been the last in the formation of the Russian government for almost 10 years, the owner of luxury yachts and football clubs. Films are made about him, books are written, but the identity of the “magnificent Roma,” along with the secret of his fantastic enrichment, is still reliably hidden from the public eye.

The editors of Skandaly.ru have prepared a small photo album about Roman Abramovich. Because in his case, photographs from different periods of his life can tell much more than hundreds of newspaper articles and “suitcases of incriminating evidence” that have a very distant relationship with a real person.

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Roman Abramovich lived for some time in Ukhta. This old black and white photo shows him with his distant northern relatives.

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Unlike most Russian oligarchs, Roman Abramovich honestly repaid his debt to his Motherland in the army. This became his first serious school in life.

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Patron and former business partner Boris Berezovsky introduced the ambitious young businessman into the world of Big Russian politics. A few years later, Berezovsky will be very surprised when he realizes that “Roma wants everything.” But it will be too late.

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After a short and completely inexpensive election campaign, Roman Arkadyevich received the governor’s office and 50 thousand half-starved and freezing residents of Chukotka into the bargain. Former governor of Chukotka Alexander Nazarov, who withdrew his candidacy without explanation a week before the elections, went to represent Chukotka in the Federation Council.

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Like most people left early without parents, Roman Abramovich loves his children more than anything in the world.

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During the governor’s first term, residents of Chukotka were the only people in Russia outside of Abramovich’s “circle” who could ask him questions personally.

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The young governor gives local boys rides on a motorcycle.

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Abramovich quickly got bored of riding the Ural around the Chukotka villages. He prefers to surf warm seas.

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Roman Abramovich received a residence permit in the UK in 1998 and began to settle in London. The purchase of Chelsea made it easy to introduce the entire extended family to the sport.

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And she easily opened the way for him to high British society.

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The English football club Chelsea has become a new “Russian idea”, uniting many businessmen from Russia who prefer hospitable London to cold and anxious Moscow.

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The two richest people in Russia on the eve of the announced merger of Yukos and Sibneft. As the proverb says: He who laughs last laughs best.”

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A rare photo depicting a personal meeting in the Kremlin between Roman Abramovich and his friend Vladimir Putin.

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The tribune of London's Chelsea Stadium became for Abramovich the pinnacle of public recognition, the prototype of the tribune of the Mausoleum on Red Square. Like any pedestal, there is room for only one.

When preparing the material, photos from the book “Abramovich. The billionare from nowhere”, Reuters, Getty Image