Early Life
Alisher Burkhanovich Usmanov was born on September 9, 1953, in Chust, Uzbekistan, then part of the Soviet Union. His father was a prosecutor. Usmanov excelled in fencing during his youth, which led him to study international law at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), graduating in 1976.
Rise to Success
Usmanov's career began in the Foreign Economic Association of the Soviet Peace Committee. He transitioned into private business during the 1990s. His early success came from producing plastic bags, a scarce commodity at the time, which provided the foundation for his future enterprises. He later co-founded Metalloinvest, a leading Russian industrial conglomerate specializing in metallurgy and mining. He acquired stakes in Lebedinsky GOK and other metallurgical plants, expanding his influence in the metals sector. Usmanov made significant investments in technology companies, including Facebook, Alibaba, and Xiaomi, which proved highly profitable. He is the founder and major shareholder of USM Holdings, with key assets including Metalloinvest, MegaFon, and Udokan Copper.
Key Business Strategies
Usmanov's key business strategies involved strategic acquisitions and investments across diverse sectors. He focused on building a strong presence in the metals and mining industry through Metalloinvest. He also diversified into telecommunications, media, and technology, acquiring significant stakes in MegaFon and Kommersant. Usmanov's early investments in technology companies like Facebook and Alibaba significantly boosted his wealth.
Philanthropy
Usmanov is known for his extensive philanthropic work. He founded the Art, Science and Sport Charity Foundation in 2006. He has donated billions of dollars to various social, educational, and cultural organizations, as well as initiatives supporting sports and fighting against COVID-19. He has supported cultural preservation in Uzbekistan and restoration projects in Italy.
