Billionaire Profile
Vadim Yakunin
Global Rank
#2276

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Vadim Yakunin

CEO, Protek
RU
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.7B
As of December 2025
Age
62
Source
Pharmacy
Industry
healthcare
Citizenship
RU

Biography

Vadim Yakunin, a 62-year-old Russian businessman, is a prominent figure in the healthcare industry. His estimated net worth is $1.7 billion, primarily derived from his ventures in the Pharmacy sector. Yakunin's career began in the Hungarian tourism sector before he transitioned to pharmaceuticals, founding the Rigla pharmacy chain and later Protek, a major pharmaceutical firm in Russia. His strategic leadership and business acumen have been instrumental in the growth of these ventures, establishing him as a key player in the Russian pharmaceutical market.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Vadim Yakunin was born on January 4, 1963, in Rostov, Yaroslavl Oblast, Russia. Information about his early life and childhood is limited, but he is known to have graduated from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) with a Ph.D., laying the groundwork for his future success.

Rise to Success

Yakunin's career started in the Hungarian tourism sector, where he gained valuable experience. He then entered the pharmaceutical industry, founding the Rigla pharmacy chain. Later, he established the Protek pharmaceuticals firm. Protek's foundation coincided with significant economic changes in Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Yakunin leveraged his experience to build a company capable of meeting the demands of the emerging market. Protek quickly expanded, becoming a trusted partner for pharmaceutical manufacturers and a lifeline for pharmacies and hospitals across Russia. By 2010, Protek went public.

Key Business Strategies

Yakunin's success is attributed to his strategic leadership and business acumen. He focused on building Rigla into one of the largest pharmacy chains in Russia and establishing Protek as a leading pharmaceuticals firm. He has consistently prioritized the development of advanced technologies and processes within Protek, ensuring the company remains competitive. Yakunin also demonstrated a keen understanding of market dynamics and consumer needs. He diversified Protek's operations to include manufacturing, retail, and logistics, creating a comprehensive ecosystem that supports Russia's healthcare sector.

Philanthropy

While the exact amounts are not widely available, Yakunin is known for his involvement in philanthropic activities. He initiated the project "Rostov Veliky - spiritual center of Russia", which involves restoring cultural heritage sites. He is also involved in the creation of an endowment fund. In 2015, Yakunin received the Order of St. Patriarch Cyril Blg. Prince Daniel of Moscow II degree for his work in restoring the Church of the Beheading of the Head of John the Baptist near Bor.

Career Milestones

1986

Graduated

Graduated from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.

1990

Founded Protek

Founded the Protek Center of Implementation.

2002

Chairman of the Board of Directors

Became Chairman of the Board of Directors of Protek.

2010

Protek IPO

Protek went public.

2024

Purchased Cancer Laboratory

Purchased 70% of the cancer laboratory from Atlas Holding

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Cultural Preservation

Rostov Veliky

Unknown

Initiated a project for the restoration of cultural heritage sites in Rostov.

Controversies & Challenges

2017

Allegations of Corruption

Accusations from Russian opposition figures of accruing billions and building a business empire using offshore companies.