Early Life and Education
Ruben Karleni Vardanyan was born on May 25, 1968, in Yerevan, Armenian SSR. He graduated with honors from Yerevan School No. 35 in 1985. He then pursued higher education in economics at Moscow State University, graduating with honors in 1992. During his studies, he anticipated the shift from a centrally planned economy to a market-based system, a perspective that would shape his future career.
Rise to Success
Vardanyan's professional journey began in 1990 when he joined the team that launched Troika Dialog, Russia's pioneering investment bank. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming an executive director at 23. Under his leadership, Troika Dialog became one of Russia's largest investment banks, surviving economic crises in 1998 and 2008. In 2012, the firm was sold to Sberbank for $1.4 billion. Vardanyan played a crucial role in developing the legal framework and infrastructure for the Russian securities market. He received numerous awards for his entrepreneurial achievements and leadership. After the sale of Troika Dialog, Vardanyan devoted himself to philanthropic causes and long-term infrastructure projects.
Key Business Strategies
Vardanyan's business acumen led him to co-found Troika Dialog, which flourished through strategic investments and navigating the challenges of the post-Soviet era. He focused on building relationships with Western investors and developing a robust framework for the Russian securities market. After the sale of Troika Dialog, he founded Vardanyan, Broitman & Partners, an investment boutique that caters to the very wealthy. This strategy allowed him to focus on high-impact projects.
Philanthropy
Vardanyan's philanthropic endeavors are extensive. He co-founded the Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO, the UWC Dilijan College, and the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative. He has invested significantly in Armenia, particularly in education, cultural preservation, and socio-economic development. His initiatives have included supporting the restoration of historical sites and promoting entrepreneurship. His family has invested about $600 million in projects in Armenia. Notably, he invested $236 million in Dilijan, including $136 million for the construction and equipping of the United World College Dilijan.
