Billionaire Profile
Andrei Krivenko
Global Rank
#2965

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Andrei Krivenko

CEO, VkusVill
RU
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.1B
As of December 2025
Age
50
Source
Retail
Industry
food-beverage
Citizenship
RU

Biography

Andrei Krivenko, born July 25, 1975, is a prominent Russian entrepreneur and the founder of VkusVill, a rapidly expanding retail chain known for its focus on fresh, healthy, and locally sourced products. Krivenko's career began in finance, where he rose to financial director before starting his entrepreneurial journey. He established VkusVill in 2012, which has since grown to over 2,000 stores and 240 darkstores across 157 cities in Russia as of 2025. Krivenko's net worth is estimated at $1.1 billion, with the source of his wealth being retail. VkusVill's success is attributed to its unique business model, emphasizing customer trust, autonomy, and a focus on high-quality, fresh groceries. VkusVill's turnover in 2024 was 329 billion rubles.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

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.

Career Milestones

2009

Founded Izbenka

Opened the first store of Izbenka, a chain focused on fresh dairy products, in Moscow.

2012

Launched VkusVill

Expanded the business beyond dairy to offer a wider selection of groceries under the VkusVill brand.

2020

Opened first international store

Opened the first VkusVill store outside of Russia, in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

N/A

Not Available

Undisclosed

No specific philanthropy initiatives were found in the search results.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"“It is generally accepted that the company is a mechanism in which everything can be thought out so that it will last for many years. But that doesn't work in today's world. Especially online, people want companies to adapt to them. This means that you must be able to change every day.”"

Leadership Principles

Customer-Centric Approach

Focuses on customer satisfaction and adapting to their needs.

Employee Empowerment

Employs a decentralized management style, empowering store teams and giving them autonomy.

Transparency and Trust

Fosters transparency and trust within the company, including open access to operations and salaries.