Leonid Mikhelson

Leonid Mikhelson, born on August 11, 1955, is a prominent Russian-Israeli entrepreneur and billionaire oligarch. He serves as the CEO, chairman, and major shareholder of Novatek, a leading Russian gas company. His journey in the business world began after the collapse of the Soviet Union when he acquired a stake in a privatized pipeline construction company, which eventually led to the formation of Novatek.

Mikhelson has established himself as a significant figure in the energy sector, forming a business partnership with fellow billionaire Gennady Timchenko, who is known for his close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. This alliance has further solidified Mikhelson's influence within the industry.

As of 2023, Mikhelson's net worth is estimated at twenty-eight point five billion dollars, ranking him fourth among Russian billionaires. His wealth has seen fluctuations, with reports indicating a net worth of twenty-nine point five billion dollars by 2025, positioning him as the sixty-fourth richest person globally and the second richest in Russia.