Billionaire Profile
Viatcheslav Kantor
Global Rank
#257

Image: Acvec | CC BY-SA 3.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Viatcheslav Kantor

CEO, Fertilizer
RUSSIA
Real-Time Net Worth
$11.954B
Estimated based on Fertilizer stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
72
Source
Fertilizer, real estate
Industry
Manufacturing
Citizenship
RUSSIA

Biography

Viatcheslav Moshe Kantor (born September 8, 1953), a prominent figure in the business world, is a Russian, British, and Israeli businessman. His estimated net worth is $12.0 billion. Kantor's wealth stems primarily from his ownership of the Acron Group, a major fertilizer producer, as well as real estate holdings. His career includes a PhD in Spacecraft Automatic Control Systems from the Moscow Aviation Institute. Beyond his business ventures, Kantor is recognized for his philanthropic efforts, especially within the Jewish community. He has been involved with the European Jewish Congress (EJC), the World Holocaust Forum Foundation (WHF), and the European Jewish Fund (EJF). He is married with five children.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Viatcheslav Moshe Kantor was born on September 8, 1953, in Moscow, Russia. He completed his education in Moscow, earning a degree in systems engineering from the Moscow Aviation Institute in 1976 and a PhD in Spacecraft Automatic Control Systems in 1981.

Rise to Success

Kantor's business career began in the late 1980s with a computer trading company. His significant breakthrough came in 1993 when he acquired a controlling stake in the Azot chemical plant in Novgorod. He rebranded it as Acron, transforming it into a leading mineral fertilizer producer.

Key Business Strategies

Kantor's strategy centered on acquiring and developing Acron into a global fertilizer producer. This involved significant investments in production capacity and vertical integration to control logistics. Through strategic acquisitions and effective management, Acron expanded its reach and market share, leading to substantial financial success.

Philanthropy

Kantor is actively involved in philanthropic activities, particularly in promoting tolerance and Holocaust remembrance. He has served as President of the European Jewish Congress and founded the World Holocaust Forum Foundation.

Career Milestones

1989-1993

Director General of Intelmas

Led the telecoms company Intelmas

1996-2000

Economic Advisor

Served as an economic advisor to the Chairman of the Federation Council of the Russian Federal Assembly

1993

Acquired Azot Chemical Plant (Acron)

Acquired a controlling stake in the Azot chemical plant, which was later rebranded as Acron

2007-2022

President of the European Jewish Congress

Served as President of the European Jewish Congress (EJC)

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Jewish Community

European Jewish Fund

Undisclosed

Promotes the development of Jewish life in Europe

Holocaust Remembrance

World Holocaust Forum Foundation

Undisclosed

Founded to preserve the memory of the Holocaust

Tolerance and Reconciliation

European Council on Tolerance and Reconciliation

Undisclosed

Promotes tolerance and reconciliation

Controversies & Challenges

2022

Sanctions

Sanctioned by the UK and EU due to ties to the Russian government following the invasion of Ukraine