Early Life and Education
Alexander Grigoryevich Abramov was born on February 20, 1959, in Moscow, USSR. He is of Jewish descent. He graduated from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology with a degree in physics and mathematics. Initially, Abramov worked for Russia's space and defense program before becoming a metal trader after government funding declined.
Rise to Success
Abramov's career took off after the 1998 Russian financial crisis. He acquired several steel companies at a low cost, including Claymont Steel and Oregon Steel in the U.S.. He founded Evraz in 1999, which later became one of Russia's largest steel producers. Abramov strategically focused on building a monopoly for rail and steel construction products. In 2005, EvrazHolding was listed on the London Stock Exchange. By 2021, Evraz had a turnover of $14.1 billion.
Key Business Strategies
Abramov's key strategies included acquiring distressed assets and building a vertically integrated business group. His approach involved identifying opportunities in the post-Soviet era and expanding through strategic acquisitions. He also focused on the export of metals and coal from the Urals and Siberia, which laid the foundation for his empire.
Philanthropy
In 2017, Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded Abramov the Decoration For Beneficence for his public work and charity activity.
