Billionaire Profile
Alexander Mikhalskiy
Global Rank
#2665

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Alexander Mikhalskiy

CEO, Sportmaster
RU
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.3B
As of December 2025
Age
66
Source
retail
Industry
fashion-retail
Citizenship
RU

Biography

Alexander Mikhalskiy, a prominent figure in the Russian retail sector, is a co-founder of Sportmaster, the largest sports and fashion retailer in Russia. Born in 1958, Mikhalskiy, along with his partners, pioneered the distribution of consumer goods in Russia before transitioning to retail with Sportmaster, founded in 1997. His source of wealth is primarily retail, particularly through Sportmaster and his co-founding of Ostin, a fast-fashion retailer. As of December 2025, his estimated net worth is $1.3 billion. Mikhalskiy's career highlights his management capabilities, which helped Sportmaster become a leader in its industry across Europe.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Alexander Mikhalskiy, born in Siberia, began his entrepreneurial journey in the early 1990s. Initially, he and his partners were involved in a distribution business supplying French consumer goods to the Russian market. This experience laid the groundwork for their future ventures in the retail industry. Mikhalskiy's background in engineering, with a Master of Science from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, provided a solid base for his business acumen.

Rise to Success with Sportmaster and Ostin

Mikhalskiy's rise to prominence is largely attributed to his co-founding of Sportmaster, Russia's largest sports and fashion retailer. Established in 1997, Sportmaster quickly expanded, becoming a major player in the Russian retail landscape. Mikhalskiy's leadership and strategic vision were instrumental in Sportmaster's growth. He also co-founded Ostin, a fast-fashion retailer, further diversifying his business interests. The success of these ventures has solidified his position among Russia's wealthiest individuals.

Key Business Strategies

Key to Mikhalskiy's success has been his focus on understanding the Russian consumer market and adapting to its evolving needs. Sportmaster's expansion strategy involved establishing a strong brand presence and offering a wide range of products to cater to diverse customer preferences. Mikhalskiy's ability to identify market opportunities and effectively manage his retail businesses has been crucial to his wealth accumulation.

Philanthropy

While specific details about Mikhalskiy's philanthropic endeavors are limited in publicly available information, his wealth indicates a capacity for significant contributions. Further research would be needed to uncover specific initiatives.

Career Milestones

1992

Founded Ilion company

Founded the Ilion company to supply German Kettler sports simulators to Russia.

1997

Founded Sportmaster Group of companies

Founded the Sportmaster Group of companies, and the first store with the name "Sportmaster" was opened.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Unknown

Unknown

$XB

Details not available