Early Life and Education
Arsen Bashirovich Kanokov was born on February 22, 1957, in the village of Shitkhala, Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. He studied at School No. 1 of Nartkala and graduated from the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics in 1981 with a degree in economics. After serving in the Soviet Army, he began his career in the Moscow fruit and vegetable association.
Rise to Success
Kanokov's business acumen led him to establish a trade and purchase cooperative called "Kodex" in 1987, which was later reorganized into the Sindika holding company in 1991. Sindika expanded into construction, banking, and investment. Kanokov's successful ventures led him to hold the position as a shareholder and board member of JSB Centrocredit Ltd. He was also the president of Sindika holding from 1994 to 1998.
Political Career
Kanokov's political career started in 1998 when he became a permanent representative of the Kabardino-Balkar Republic to the Russian President. In 2003, he was elected to the State Duma. From 2005 to 2013, Kanokov served as the head of the Kabardino-Balkaria Republic. Since 2013, he has been a member of the Federation Council.
Key Business Strategies
Kanokov's business strategy has involved strategic investments, particularly in the real estate sector. His Sindika Group manages shopping malls, hotels, and markets across Russia. He has also been involved in acquisitions, including stakes in businesses like Star Coffee (formerly Starbucks) and OBI. He is currently a co-owner of Vkusno i Tochka, the company that acquired McDonald's restaurants after they left Russia.
Philanthropy
Kanokov has been known for his philanthropic efforts, including material assistance to charitable events. He has supported families with many children, orphanages, and football teams. He has also used his personal savings to build a temple and a mosque, as well as monuments.
