Early Life and Career
Andrei Vladimirovich Skoch was born on January 30, 1966, in the village of Nikolskoye, Moscow region. After serving in the Soviet Army, he pursued higher education and graduated from the Institute of Physical Culture. He later obtained a degree in psychology from the Moscow State University for Humanities named after M. A. Sholokhov. Skoch's career began in the late 1980s with various entrepreneurial ventures, including a bakery and the sale of computer components.
Rise to Success
Skoch's path to wealth took a significant turn in 1995 when he joined Alisher Usmanov in the metals business. Together, they acquired Lebedinsky Mining and a steel production plant in Belgorod. He became Deputy General Director at JSC Lebedinsky GOK in 1999. Skoch holds a 30% stake in Metalloinvest, although these shares are reportedly held in his father's name. Metalloinvest, formed in 2006, is a leading producer of iron ore and steel.
Key Business Strategies and Political Career
Skoch's business acumen, combined with his political career, has solidified his position. He has been a member of the State Duma since 1999, representing the Belgorod region. As a deputy, he has been involved in numerous legislative initiatives. In 2020, Skoch transferred 2.3 billion rubles to the Belgorod Region's budget for the construction and renovation of social facilities.
Philanthropy
Skoch is also known for his philanthropic endeavors through the Pokolenie Foundation (formerly Healthy Generation), established in 1996. The foundation supports various causes, including medical institutions, cultural projects, and youth development. Skoch has donated over $117 million to charitable causes. His charitable work extends to supporting veterans, families with multiple children, and cultural workers.
