Early Life and Education
Pyotr Olegovich Aven was born in Moscow on March 16, 1955. His father was a professor of computer science, and his mother was from a Jewish family. Aven graduated from Moscow State University in 1977 with a degree in economics and later earned a Ph.D. in economics in 1980. During his studies, he was involved in the student music club.
Rise to Success
Aven's career began as a senior researcher at the All-Union Institute for Systems Studies at the USSR Academy of Sciences. He later served as an advisor to the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A pivotal moment in his career came when he met Mikhail Fridman, and became a shareholder of Alfa-Bank in 1994. Aven served as the President of Alfa-Bank Russia from 1994 to June 2011 and as Chairman of the board from 2011 to 2022. He was also involved in the founding of LetterOne Group, an international investment business.
Key Business Strategies
Aven's business strategies involved investments in various sectors, including oil, banking, and telecommunications. His ability to navigate the complex business and political landscape in Russia, along with strategic partnerships, contributed to his success. He was involved in notable deals, such as the sale of TNK-BP to Rosneft in 2012.
Philanthropy
Aven is known for his philanthropy and support of the arts. In 2006, he founded the Generation charity fund, which supports social, cultural, and medical projects in Russia. He has served as co-chair of the Board of Trustees of the State Museum of Fine Arts named after A. S. Pushkin. Aven has invested in property at Klaugy Estate in Latvia. He has also amassed a large collection of Russian art.
