Arkady Rotenberg

Early Life

Arkady Rotenberg was born in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Russia, on December 15, 1951. He is of Jewish ancestry. At the age of 12, he began training in sambo and judo, where he met Vladimir Putin, with whom he developed a lifelong friendship. Rotenberg graduated from the Lesgaft National State University of Physical Education, Sport and Health in 1978 and became a judo trainer.

Rise to Success

Rotenberg's business career began after the collapse of the Soviet Union. He and his brother Boris founded the SMP Bank in 2001. His significant wealth was generated through state-sponsored construction projects and oil pipelines. In 2008, he formed Stroygazmontazh (SGM Group) with assets purchased from Gazprom, and the company became the main supplier for Gazprom. The company has been involved in major infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Crimean Bridge.

Key Business Strategies

Rotenberg's business strategies have involved securing lucrative state contracts, particularly through his companies. He was involved in the privatization of Gazprom's construction assets, forming SGM Group. He also invested in the Northern Europe Pipe Project, which supplied a significant portion of Gazprom's large-diameter pipes.

Philanthropy

Information regarding specific amounts of philanthropy is unavailable from the search results.