Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#2375

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Farkhad Akhmedov

CEO, Northgas

Real-Time Net Worth

$1.6B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Investments

Industry

energy

Citizenship

Biography

Farkhad Akhmedov, born in Baku, Azerbaijan, on September 15, 1955, is an Azerbaijani-Russian businessman with an estimated net worth of $1.6 billion as of December 5, 2025. His wealth is primarily derived from Investments. Akhmedov's career began in the 1980s with trading, later transitioning into the energy industry. He founded Tansley Trading and eventually acquired a significant stake in Northgas, a Siberian oil and gas company, ultimately selling his stake in 2012 for $1.375 billion. He is known for his philanthropic efforts and has been involved in controversies, including a high-profile divorce case.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

Northgas

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Farkhad Akhmedov was born in Baku, Azerbaijan SSR, on September 15, 1955. He moved to Moscow at age 15 and attended the Moscow Veterinary Academy.

Rise to Success

Akhmedov's career started in the 1980s with trading, initially selling furs. He then founded Tansley Trading, which supplied equipment to the Russian gas industry. A key turning point was acquiring a stake in Northgas, becoming its chairman. In 2012, he sold his 49% stake in Northgas for $1.375 billion.

Key Business Strategies

Key strategies involved early entry into the Russian energy sector, forming connections, and taking control of Northgas. His ability to navigate the post-Soviet market and capitalize on the rising demand for oil and gas were essential to his success.

Philanthropy

Akhmedov is known for philanthropic efforts, donating to children's charities and wildlife projects, and sponsoring the Azerbaijan Goychay Pomegranate Festival.

Career Milestones

1987

Founded Tansley Trading

Founded Tansley Trading, which supplied equipment to the Russian gas industry.

1995

Stake in Northgas

Acquired a minority stake in Northgas.

2002

Chairman of Northgas

Became Chairman of the Board of Directors of Northgas.

2012

Sold Northgas Stake

Sold his 49% stake in Northgas for $1.375 billion.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Children's Aid

Children's Charities

$150M+

Donated to children's charities, including orphanages.

Wildlife Conservation

Wildlife Projects

Unknown

Donated to wildlife projects.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""You can't replicate the skills [needed for success] or teach them to others. You need a range of qualities: resilience, focus, talent, patience, determination. The most important thing is to realise that there are no impossible tasks.""

Leadership Principles

Persistence

Emphasizes the importance of realizing there are no impossible tasks.

Work Ethic

Believes in working constantly to achieve dreams.

Controversies & Challenges

2016

Divorce Settlement

Ordered to pay his ex-wife £454 million in a divorce settlement.

2022

Sanctions

Subject to EU sanctions.

2023

Sanctions Lifted

EU Court annulled sanctions.