Billionaire Profile
Ivan Savvidis & family
Global Rank
#2245

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Ivan Savvidis & family

CEO, Agrokom Group
RU
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.7B
As of December 2025
Age
66
Source
Agribusiness
Industry
diversified
Citizenship
RU

Biography

Ivan Savvidis, a Greek-Russian businessman with a net worth of $1.7 billion as of December 5, 2025, is primarily known for his diverse business ventures, particularly in the agribusiness sector through Agrocom Group. Savvidis' career began at the Don State Tobacco Factory, where he rose through the ranks to become the General Director. He later built Donskoy Tabak into Russia's largest tobacco company before selling it for $1.6 billion. Beyond agribusiness, Savvidis has invested in media, real estate, and sports, most notably as the owner of the Greek football team PAOK. His philanthropic efforts include supporting Ukrainian refugees and contributing to the restoration of Orthodox shrines.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Ivan Ignatyevich Savvidis was born on March 27, 1959, in the village of Santa, Tsalka District, Georgian SSR. His parents were Pontic Greek workers. At the age of 14 he settled in Rostov-on-Don.

Rise to Success

Savvidis began his career at the Don State Tobacco Factory. In 1993, he was elected General Director of CJSC Donskoy Tabak, transforming it into the largest Russian tobacco company. He later sold Donskoy Tabak in 2018 to Japan Tobacco for $1.6 billion. Savvidis also served as a member of the Russian Parliament.

Key Business Strategies

Savvidis is the founder of Agrokom Group, which includes assets in the food, agricultural, and packaging industries. He also has significant holdings in media and sports, including a stake in the soccer team FC PAOK.

Philanthropy

Savvidis is involved in community service and is the President of the Federation of Greek Communities of Russia. He has supported the restoration of Orthodox shrines and has provided aid to Ukrainian refugees. His charitable foundation undertakes programs focused on youth development, healthy lifestyles, and cultural and scientific projects.

Career Milestones

1993

General Director of Donskoy Tabak

Elevated Donskoy Tabak to the largest tobacco company in Russia.

2012

Owner of PAOK

Acquired ownership of the Greek football team PAOK.

2018

Sold Donskoy Tabak

Sold Donskoy Tabak to Japan Tobacco for $1.6 billion.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Humanitarian Aid

Support for Ukrainian Refugees

Undisclosed

Provided support and accommodation for Ukrainian refugees during the humanitarian crisis in 2022.

Religious and Community Development

Ivan Savvidis Charitable Foundation

2.5M EUR

The foundation supports the spiritual revival and restoration of Orthodox shrines, creative development of youth, promotion of healthy lifestyles, cultural, educational, scientific, and research projects.

Controversies & Challenges

2018

Gun Incident at PAOK Match

Savvidis entered the pitch during a match with a holstered gun, leading to a stadium ban and legal proceedings.

2024

Ukraine Asset Seizure

Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court ordered the confiscation of Savvidis' assets in Ukraine due to his alleged support for Russia's military-industrial complex.