Early Life
Elena Baturina was born on March 8, 1963, in Moscow, Russia. Her parents were factory workers. After graduating from high school, she started her career as a design-technician at the Frezer industrial tool plant, where her parents worked. Baturina later pursued higher education, earning a degree from the State University of Management.
Rise to Success
Baturina's entrepreneurial journey began in 1991 with the founding of Inteco. Initially, Inteco was involved in plastics manufacturing, but it soon transitioned into construction, becoming one of the largest construction companies in Moscow. Her husband, Yury Luzhkov, served as the mayor of Moscow from 1992 to 2010. During this time, Inteco secured significant contracts, contributing to its growth. In 2011, Baturina sold Inteco.
Key Business Strategies
Baturina expanded her business interests beyond construction. She developed a chain of luxury hotels in Europe, including the Grand Tirolia Golf & Ski Resort in Austria and the Morrison Hotel in Dublin, Ireland. She also invested in commercial properties and renewable energy projects. Baturina's strategy involved diversification and strategic investments, primarily in real estate and construction-related ventures.
Philanthropy
Elena Baturina has been involved in charitable activities since the 1990s. In 2012, she established the BE OPEN Foundation, a cultural and social initiative that aims to connect creative minds and foster sustainability. She served as a trustee for the Mayor's Fund for London from 2017 to 2019, and also supports Maggie's, a UK-based cancer charity.
