Early Life and Education
Ruben Vardanyan was born on May 25, 1968, in Yerevan, Armenian SSR. He excelled academically, graduating with honors from Yerevan School No. 35 in 1985. Driven by his passion for economics, he enrolled in Moscow State University's Faculty of Economics the same year and graduated with honors in 1992. Vardanyan also attended Cassa di Risparmio di Torino Italian savings bank in Turin and completed a course on developing markets at Merrill Lynch in New York in 1992. This strong educational foundation set the stage for his successful career.
Rise to Success
Vardanyan's career took off in the financial sector. In 1991, he co-founded Troika Dialog, which grew to become a leading investment bank in Russia. He held various positions within the company, including CEO and Chairman. Under his leadership, Troika Dialog became a major force in Russian and emerging market finance. In 2011, Troika Dialog was sold to Sberbank for $1.4 billion, a significant achievement that cemented Vardanyan's reputation in the industry. After selling Troika Dialog, Vardanyan became co-head of Sberbank CIB.
Key Business Strategies
Vardanyan's key business strategy involved building Troika Dialog into a benchmark for innovation and integrity in the financial sector. He focused on creating long-term value for clients and stakeholders. He was also known for his entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to navigate complex business landscapes. After Troika Dialog, Vardanyan founded investment boutique Vardanyan, Broitman and partners, which serves ultra high-net-worth individuals.
Philanthropy
Vardanyan's philanthropic endeavors are extensive. He co-founded the Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO and the UWC Dilijan College in Armenia. He is also involved with the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative. The Vardanyan family has invested over $600 million in numerous projects in Armenia.
