Early Life and Education
Sergei Viktorovich Popov was born in Yekaterinburg (formerly Sverdlovsk), Russia, on August 12, 1971. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Ural State Technical University.
Rise to Success
Popov began his career in the 1990s as a metals trader in the volatile post-Soviet market. In 1993, he co-founded the MDM Group with Andrey Melnichenko, initially as a small investment firm that grew into a major financial and industrial conglomerate. The duo invested in key industries like banking, energy, and chemicals. In 2000, he became the co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of MDM Industrial Group.
In 2004, Popov and Melnichenko partnered with Dmitry Pumpyansky to create TMK ( тру́бная металурги́ческая компа́ния), by consolidating several pipe factories, turning it into a global exporter serving major energy firms. Popov served as a key executive until selling his stake in 2006.
In 2015, he sold MDM Bank to B&N Bank.
Key Business Strategies
Popov's success stems from identifying opportunities in Russia's post-Soviet economic transformation and making strategic investments in key industries. He focused on sectors like banking, metals trading, and heavy industry. Furthermore, his ability to form strategic partnerships was critical.
Philanthropy
Popov has diversified into philanthropy, establishing the private investment fund Agat in 2010, which supports young entrepreneurs with startup capital and mentoring.
