Gennady Timchenko

Gennady Timchenko, born on November 9, 1952, is a prominent Russian oligarch and billionaire businessman known for his significant influence in the energy sector. He is the founder and owner of the private investment firm Volga Group, which has substantial investments in various industries, including a major stake in the natural gas giant Novatek. Timchenko's business acumen has positioned him as one of the wealthiest individuals in Russia, with a net worth estimated at twenty billion one hundred million dollars.

Timchenko's rise in the business world is closely tied to his longstanding friendship with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, dating back to the early 1990s. In 1991, Putin granted him an oil export license, which paved the way for the establishment of Gunvor Group, a company that has facilitated the export of billions of dollars' worth of Russian oil. His connections have been both a boon and a source of controversy, particularly following the sanctions imposed by the United States in response to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.

In addition to his business ventures, Timchenko is actively involved in sports, serving as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kontinental Hockey League and as President of the SKA Saint Petersburg ice hockey club. His influence extends beyond business and sports, as he has been implicated in financial dealings that involve offshore shell companies, as revealed by the Pandora Papers leaks.

As of March 2022, Timchenko was ranked two hundred fifth on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, with an estimated fortune of ten billion three hundred million dollars, making him the sixth richest person in Russia. His citizenship spans three countries: Russia, Finland, and Armenia, reflecting his diverse background and international business interests.