Billionaire Profile
Vadim Yakunin
Global Rank
#1991

Image: Филиппова Ольга | CC BY-SA 3.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Vadim Yakunin

CEO, Pharmacy
RUSSIA
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.036B
Estimated based on Pharmacy stock value as of March 6, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
63
Source
Pharmacy
Industry
Healthcare
Citizenship
RUSSIA

Biography

Vadim Yakunin is a prominent Russian businessman and billionaire who has carved a significant niche in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry. Born on January 5, 1963, Yakunin's career began in the tourism sector before transitioning to pharmaceuticals. He founded the Rigla pharmacy chain and Protek pharmaceuticals firm, which became major players in the Russian market. As of January 12, 2026, his real-time net worth is estimated at $1.72 billion. Yakunin is known for his business acumen and strategic leadership, contributing to the success of his ventures. He is married and has three children. Yakunin is also involved in philanthropy through the Foundation named after St. Gregory the Theologian.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Vadim Yakunin was born on January 5, 1963, in Moscow, Russia. Details about his early life are limited. He graduated from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) with a qualification as an engineer-physicist and completed postgraduate studies in 1989.

Rise to Success

Yakunin's career began in the Hungarian tourism sector. He then transitioned to the pharmaceutical industry, where he founded the Rigla pharmacy chain. Rigla became a significant player in the Russian pharmaceutical market. Yakunin's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish the Protek pharmaceuticals firm, further solidifying his position in the industry. Protek went public in 2010 and is one of the biggest drug distributors in Russia.

Key Business Strategies

Yakunin's key business strategies appear to involve strategic expansion and market dominance within the pharmaceutical sector. His focus on building a strong distribution network and retail presence through the Rigla chain has been central to his success. He also has been involved in importing drugs.

Philanthropy

In 2009 he founded the Foundation named after St. Gregory the Theologian. The main tasks of the fund are implementation of education and educational projects, the development of spiritual formation and church scholarship, and support of educational institutions of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Career Milestones

1986

Graduated

Graduated from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.

1990

Founded Protek Center of Implementation

Founded Protek Center of Implementation.

Founded Rigla pharmacy chain

Founded Rigla pharmacy chain

Founded the Rigla pharmacy chain.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education and Religious Support

Foundation named after St. Gregory the Theologian

Undisclosed

Implementation of education and educational projects, the development of spiritual formation and church scholarship, and support of educational institutions of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Controversies & Challenges

2013

Allegations of Offshore Wealth

Accusations from Alexei Navalny that Yakunin's family lived in luxury homes abroad, and accruing billions of dollars using offshore companies.

2014

Sanctions

US Treasury Department sanctioned Yakunin for involvement in the situation in Ukraine.