Billionaire Profile
Viatcheslav Kantor
Global Rank
#338

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Viatcheslav Kantor

CEO, Acron Group
RU
Real-Time Net Worth
$9.5B
As of December 2025
Age
72
Source
Fertilizer, real estate
Industry
manufacturing
Citizenship
RU

Biography

Viatcheslav Kantor, born on September 8, 1953, is a Russian, British, and Israeli businessman with a net worth of $9.5 billion as of December 5, 2025. His primary source of wealth stems from his investments in the fertilizer and real estate industries. Kantor is the head of Acron Group, a leading global mineral fertilizer producer. His career began in the late 1980s with a computer trading company, later evolving into a major player in the chemical industry. Kantor is also known for his philanthropic endeavors within the Jewish community.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Viatcheslav Moshe Kantor was born in Moscow, Russia, on September 8, 1953. He graduated from the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) in 1976 with a degree and later earned a Ph.D. in Spacecraft Automatic Control Systems in 1981. He worked as a scientist and headed a research laboratory at MAI.

Rise to Success

Kantor's entrepreneurial journey 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, later rebranded as Acron. Under his leadership, Acron transformed into a leading mineral fertilizer producer.

Key Business Strategies

Kantor's business strategy has focused on strategic acquisitions and vertical integration within the chemical industry. He expanded Acron's production capabilities and global distribution networks, establishing a strong market presence. Acron Group has a wide range of fertilizers.

Philanthropy

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

Career Milestones

1989-1993

Director General of Intelmas

Led Intelmas, a telecoms company.

1996-2000

Economic Advisor

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

2007-2022

President of the European Jewish Congress

Served as president of the European Jewish Congress.

2005

Founded World Holocaust Forum

Founded and headed the World Holocaust Forum (WHF).

2006

Founded European Jewish Fund (EJF)

Founded and chaired the European Jewish Fund (EJF).

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Jewish Community

European Jewish Congress

$XB

Kantor served as the President of the European Jewish Congress.

Holocaust Remembrance

World Holocaust Forum Foundation

$XB

Kantor served as President of the World Holocaust Forum Foundation.

Tolerance and Reconciliation

European Council on Tolerance and Reconciliation

$XB

Co-chaired the European Council on Tolerance and Reconciliation.

Education

Kantor Center for the Study of Contemporary European Jewry

$XB

Established the Kantor Center for the Study of Contemporary European Jewry at Tel Aviv University.

Controversies & Challenges

2022

Sanctions

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

2025

EU Sanctions Challenge

The EU General Court dismissed Kantor's challenge to the sanctions, which cited his role in supporting the Russian government.