SubscribeSign In
LeaderPortfolio
Billionaire Profile
Farkhad Akhmedov
Global Rank
#2442

Image: Farkhad Akhmedov | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Farkhad Akhmedov

CEO, Northgas
RUSSIA
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.687B
Estimated based on Northgas stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
70
Source
Investments
Industry
energy
Citizenship
RUSSIA

Biography

Farkhad Akhmedov, born in Baku, Azerbaijan, on September 15, 1955, is an Azerbaijani-Russian businessman with a net worth of $1.7 billion as of March 2026. His wealth originates from investments, primarily in the energy sector. Akhmedov's career began in the 1980s trading sable furs before transitioning to the oil and gas industry. He founded Tansley Trading in 1987, which supplied equipment to Russian gas producers. A key achievement was acquiring a controlling stake in Northgas, which he later sold for $1.38 billion in 2012. Akhmedov has held positions in Russian politics, including in the Federation Council. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts, including sponsoring the Azerbaijan Goychay Pomegranate Festival.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Farkhad Teimurovich Akhmedov was born in Baku, Azerbaijan SSR, on September 15, 1955. He grew up in Goychay, Azerbaijan. At the age of 15, following his father's sentencing, he moved to Moscow.

Rise to Success

Akhmedov started his business career by trading sable furs in London in the 1980s. He founded Tansley Trading in 1987 to supply equipment to Russian gas producers. In the 1990s, he acquired a controlling stake in Northgas, a Siberian natural gas company, which he later sold in 2012 for $1.38 billion.

Key Business Strategies

Akhmedov's strategy included identifying opportunities in the Russian gas sector's privatization era and acquiring stakes in promising companies like Northgas. He focused on building a profitable company that allowed him to sell his stake for a substantial profit. Akhmedov also invested in other ventures, including the pomegranate juice factory in Azerbaijan.

Philanthropy

Akhmedov is known for his philanthropic efforts. He is the main sponsor of the Azerbaijan Goychay Pomegranate Festival. He has also donated to children's charities and wildlife projects.

Career Milestones

1987

Founded Tansley Trading

Founded Tansley Trading, which supplied equipment to Russian gas producers.

1993

Acquired Stake in Northgas

Acquired a minority stake in Northgas, a Siberian gas producer.

2004-2009

Senator

Served as a representative of the Krasnodar Territory and Nenets Autonomous Area in the Federation Council of the Russian Federation.

2012

Sold Northgas Stake

Sold his 49% stake in Northgas to Novatek for $1.38 billion.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Culture

Azerbaijan Goychay Pomegranate Festival

Undisclosed

Main sponsor of the Azerbaijan Goychay Pomegranate Festival

Disaster Relief

JSC AZNAR Donation

$0.5M

JSC AZNAR, which he heads, donated 1 million manats [€540,000] to the National Fund for Combating Coronavirus during the pandemic

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""There's no one-size-fits-all recipe. 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 realize that there are no impossible tasks. And another thing — you can only achieve...""

Controversies & Challenges

2016

Divorce Proceedings

U.K. High Court ordered Akhmedov to pay his ex-wife £453 million in a divorce settlement, which he refused to pay.

2022

Sanctions

Placed under EU and UK sanctions due to alleged ties to the Kremlin.

2023

Sanctions Lifted

EU lifted sanctions against Akhmedov.

Compare Farkhad Akhmedov

Net Worth Face-off
Farkhad Akhmedov vs Elon Musk
Compare Wealth →
Net Worth Face-off
Farkhad Akhmedov vs Jeff Bezos
Compare Wealth →
Net Worth Face-off
Farkhad Akhmedov vs Mark Zuckerberg
Compare Wealth →