Oleg Deripaska

Early Life and Education

Oleg Vladimirovich Deripaska was born on January 2, 1968, in Dzerzhinsk, Russia. His father died when he was young, and he was primarily raised by his grandparents. Deripaska began his career as an electrician's apprentice. In 1985, he enrolled at the physics faculty of Moscow State University and graduated with honors in physics in 1993. He later obtained a master's degree from the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics in 1996.

Rise to Success

Deripaska's entrepreneurial journey began after the collapse of the Soviet Union. He started as a metals trader. He used the profits from trading to acquire stakes in the Sayanogorsk aluminium smelter. This smelter became the foundation of what would become Rusal, the world's largest aluminum company. In 2000, he founded Rusal in partnership with Roman Abramovich's Millhouse Capital.

Key Business Strategies

Deripaska consolidated the aluminum industry, improving smelter operations and adopting practices from Toyota, which led to RUSAL becoming the number one aluminum producer in the world. He founded Basic Element, a diversified investment group, managing assets in various sectors, including energy, metals, and construction. His strategy involved acquiring and consolidating assets, which led to him becoming the richest man in Russia in 2008.

Philanthropy

Deripaska founded Volnoe Delo, Russia's largest charitable foundation. He has supported various initiatives, including developing cross-country skiing and opening a dog sanctuary.