Billionaire Profile
Alexei Kuzmichev
Global Rank
#478

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Alexei Kuzmichev

CEO, Alfa Group
RU
Real-Time Net Worth
$7.6B
As of December 2025
Age
63
Source
Oil, banking, telecom
Industry
energy
Citizenship
RU

Biography

Alexei Kuzmichev is a 63-year-old Russian businessman, primarily known for his involvement in the energy sector. His source of wealth stems from his strategic investments in oil, banking, and telecom industries. Kuzmichev co-founded the Alfa Group and LetterOne, demonstrating a keen ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities. His career includes founding Alfa Photo and later expanding into the export business, establishing Alfa Eco, which became the foundation of Alfa Group Consortium. Despite facing sanctions and recent legal issues, Kuzmichev remains a significant figure in international business.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Alexei Viktorovich Kuzmichev was born in Kirov, Russia, on October 15, 1962. During his youth, he served in the army on the Soviet-Chinese border as a radio operator from 1980 to 1982. This period saw him join the Communist Party, showcasing early political affiliations. In 1983, he enrolled in the Moscow Institute of Steel and Alloys, where he formed crucial business relationships with Mikhail Fridman and German Khan, who would become his future partners.

Rise to Success

Kuzmichev, along with Fridman, Khan, and Mikhail Alfimov, founded Alfa Photo in 1988, initially focusing on importing photo chemicals. Recognizing growth potential, Kuzmichev encouraged the group to diversify into exports, leading to the establishment of Alfa Eco in 1998. Alfa Eco became the cornerstone of the Alfa Group Consortium, which expanded into various successful ventures, including Alfa-Bank. His strategic acumen was instrumental in overseeing Alfa Group's international trading operations.

Key Business Strategies

A key business strategy for Kuzmichev involved forming strategic partnerships. The co-founding of LetterOne Group, an international investment business based in Luxembourg, highlights his focus on investments in the telecom, technology, and energy sectors. This demonstrates his ability to identify growth opportunities. Another key strategy was diversifying into various industries.

Philanthropy

Information on Alexei Kuzmichev's specific philanthropy amounts or initiatives is not readily available in the search results. However, he has been involved with philanthropic activities, although details of his initiatives are not widely publicized.

Career Milestones

1980-1982

Military Service

Served in the army on the Soviet-Chinese border as a radio operator.

1983

Education at Moscow Institute of Steel and Alloys

Met future business partners Mikhail Fridman and German Khan.

1988

Co-founded Alfa Photo

Specialized in importing photo chemicals.

1998

Founded Alfa Eco

Established Alfa Eco, which later became the foundation of Alfa Group Consortium.

2013

Sold stake in TNK-BP

Sold his stake in energy venture TNK-BP to state-run oil company Rosneft for $2.5 billion.

2023

Sold stake in Alfa Bank

Sold his 16.32% stake in Alfa Bank and left the shareholders.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Philanthropy

Unknown

$XB

Details not available.

Controversies & Challenges

2023

French Sanctions Probe and Arrest

Detained in France for alleged tax evasion, money laundering, and violating international sanctions. Released on €8 million bail.