Early Life
Alexander Skorobogatko was born on September 25, 1967, in Horlivka, Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union, to a family with a working-class background. His father was a miner, and his mother worked as a salesclerk. From a young age, Skorobogatko displayed leadership qualities and a strong work ethic, which he credits to his parents. He was involved in judo and sambo, where he developed discipline and perseverance.
Rise to Success
Skorobogatko's entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 20. He started businesses in Crimea, initially in perfume manufacturing and the sale of building materials. In 1996, he co-founded the Russian General Bank (RGB) in Moscow with his business partner, Alexander Ponomarenko. This venture, while facing challenges during the 1998 financial crisis, laid the groundwork for future successes. Skorobogatko and Ponomarenko later acquired stakes in stevedoring companies, leading to the creation of Novorossiysk Commercial Sea Port (NCSP), which became the largest port in Russia. In 2007, NCSP went public, yielding a significant financial return. Furthermore, in 2013, Skorobogatko and Ponomarenko, along with Arkady Rotenberg, secured the development of Sheremetyevo International Airport.
Key Business Strategies
A key strategy in Skorobogatko's business career has been forming strategic partnerships, particularly with Alexander Ponomarenko. Their collaboration, spanning various sectors, allowed them to leverage each other's strengths and navigate the complexities of the Russian market. Another important strategy was identifying and capitalizing on opportunities. This approach is evident in their acquisition of stakes in stevedoring companies after the 1998 financial crisis. They also focused on developing and expanding existing assets, increasing the capacity of NCSP. Moreover, Skorobogatko has been adaptable, moving into new sectors like airport construction and real estate development through TPS Real Estate Holding Ltd.
Philanthropy
Alexander Skorobogatko prefers to keep his charitable activities private, believing in giving for the sake of giving. Despite this, he provides substantial support to healthcare institutions and children's charities, contributing significantly to the treatment of severe diseases. He has also supported the construction and renovation of Russian Orthodox churches.
