Early Life and Education
Alexander Ilyich Klyachin was born in Moscow on May 18, 1967. He graduated from Moscow School 57 in 1984. Klyachin pursued higher education at Moscow State University, graduating from the Geography Department in 1991. He furthered his studies at Oregon State University in the USA, majoring in geography, graduating in 1993.
Rise to Success
After graduating from Oregon State University, Klyachin entered the finance industry in 1993. In the early 2000s, he shifted his focus to the real estate sector. Klyachin began acquiring land plots in and around Moscow. In 2006, Klyachin founded Azimut Hotels, a hotel chain specializing in renovating older hotels and buildings from the Soviet era. The Azimut chain expanded, becoming the first Russian hotel brand to enter the European market, specifically in Austria and Germany, in 2008. Klyachin's real estate portfolio also includes the ownership of the historic Metropol Hotel near the Moscow Kremlin, which he acquired in 2012.
Key Business Strategies
Klyachin's success stems from his strategic investments and redevelopment projects in Russia's real estate market. His company, KR Properties, redevelops former industrial zones into modern business districts while maintaining the original exterior architecture. Through Azimut Hotels, Klyachin built a significant hotel chain, transforming the hospitality sector in Russia and beyond. He also acquired the Karat cheese factory in Moscow. Klyachin's business acumen has led to his recognition as a major landowner in the Moscow region.
Philanthropy
Klyachin is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors. He founded the Khamovniki charity foundation to support social research. He has also served on the Board of Trustees of the Bolshoi Theater since 2012 and as the board chairman of Moscow's Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center since 2021.
