Early Life
Andrei Krivenko was born on July 25, 1975, in Chernogolovka, Moscow Oblast, Russia. He grew up in a family of physicists, instilling in him a thirst for knowledge and achievement. He graduated from Experimental Secondary School No. 82 with a focus in mathematics and physics. In 1992, Krivenko entered the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), graduating in 1999 with a degree in molecular and biological physics. Simultaneously, he studied accounting and auditing at the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics.
Rise to Success
Krivenko began his career at Ekort, where he progressed from analyst to financial director. From 2004 to 2008, he served as the financial director of Agama Trade, a major Russian seafood distributor. However, his entrepreneurial journey began in 2009 with the opening of Izbenka, a store selling fresh dairy products. By 2012, the Izbenka chain had expanded to 140 stores in Moscow and the surrounding region. Krivenko then launched the VkusVill chain in 2012, which expanded the offerings beyond dairy to include a wide range of grocery products.
Key Business Strategies
VkusVill's success is attributed to its unique approach, emphasizing customer trust, autonomy, and a focus on high-quality, fresh groceries. The company focuses on locally sourced products without preservatives and additives. The company uses a decentralized management style, empowering store teams and prioritizing customer satisfaction. Krivenko planned to donate 20% of his shares in VkusVill to eight key executives, highlighting the company's focus on its employees. By the end of 2024, VkusVill had over 2,000 stores.
Philanthropy
No specific philanthropy amounts found in the search results. Krivenko's focus appears to be on building a successful business that emphasizes customer satisfaction and local sourcing.