Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#884

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Igor Kesaev

CEO, Mercury Group

Real-Time Net Worth

$4.6B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Tobacco distribution, retail

Industry

fashion-retail

Citizenship

Biography

Igor Kesaev, born in 1966, is a Russian retail businessman with an estimated net worth of $4.6 billion as of December 5, 2024. His primary source of wealth stems from his involvement in tobacco distribution and retail. Kesaev is the president of the Mercury Group, which he founded in 1991. His career includes founding Mercury, which began as a food and alcohol importer and later became the biggest distributor in Russia. He also acquired Megapolis Group, a leading tobacco distributor, and expanded into weapon manufacturing and retail store chains. Kesaev has received multiple honors and awards and is known for his support of the Stella Art Foundation, headed by his wife.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

Dixy

Megapolis

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Igor Albertovich Kesaev was born in Ordzhonikidze (now Vladikavkaz), North Ossetia, on October 30, 1966. He holds a bachelor's degree from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO).

Rise to Success

In 1991, Kesaev founded Mercury, which initially focused on importing food and alcohol. Under Kesaev's leadership, Mercury witnessed significant growth, becoming the largest distributor in Russia. He later acquired Megapolis Group, a leading tobacco distributor, and expanded his business interests to include weapon manufacturing and retail store chains.

Key Business Strategies

Kesaev's key business strategies include acquiring and consolidating businesses within the distribution and retail sectors. He acquired a stake in the oil company Sibir Energy in 2005 and later sold his stake. He also merged his Dixy supermarket chain with alcohol stores to create one of Russia's largest retailers. His success is attributed to his in-depth industrial knowledge and ability to secure key deals.

Philanthropy

Kesaev is known to support the Stella Art Foundation, which is headed by his wife. He has also donated to the MGIMO Endowment.

Career Milestones

1991

Founded Mercury

Established Mercury as a trading company.

1998

President of Mercury Group

Became the President of the Mercury Group of Companies.

2008

Director of Dixy Group

Became the Director of the Dixy Group.

2013

Megapolis Stake Sale

Philip Morris and Japan Tobacco International each acquired a 20% stake in Megapolis.

2022

Sanctioned by EU and UK

Sanctioned for links to the Russian government and the war in Ukraine.

2023

Sanctioned by the U.S.

Sanctioned by the United States.

2024

Cypriot Citizenship Revoked

The Cypriot government revoked his citizenship.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Art & Culture

Stella Art Foundation

Undisclosed

Supports the promotion of cultural exchange and Russian art

Education

MGIMO Endowment

$0.003B

Donated 30 million rubles

Controversies & Challenges