Billionaire Profile
Viatcheslav Kantor
Global Rank
#249

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 March 6, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
72
Source
Fertilizer, real estate
Industry
Manufacturing
Citizenship
RUSSIA

Biography

Viatcheslav Moshe Kantor is a prominent businessman and philanthropist with an estimated net worth of $9.5 billion as of February 2, 2026. His wealth primarily stems from his investments in fertilizer production and real estate. Born on September 8, 1953, Kantor has had a long and distinguished career, including leading the Acron Group, a major fertilizer producer. He is also known for his extensive philanthropic work, particularly within the Jewish community, and has held leadership positions in various organizations. Kantor has also been involved in promoting Holocaust remembrance and combating antisemitism.

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

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Viatcheslav Moshe Kantor was born on September 8, 1953, in Moscow, Russia. He completed his PhD in Spacecraft Automatic Control Systems from the Moscow Aviation Institute. His early career included work in a USSR spacecraft laboratory.

Rise to Success

Kantor transitioned into business in the late 1980s, establishing a computer trading company. His significant breakthrough came in 1993 when he acquired the Azot chemical plant, which he later rebranded as Acron. Under his leadership, Acron became one of the world's leading producers of mineral fertilizers. Kantor also invested in real estate, further diversifying his wealth.

Key Business Strategies

Kantor's success is attributed to strategic acquisitions and leadership in the chemical industry. He expanded Acron's product line and ensured global distribution. This approach solidified the company's position in the fertilizer industry.

Philanthropy

Kantor is deeply involved in philanthropic activities within the Jewish community. He has served as President of the European Jewish Congress (EJC) and the World Holocaust Forum Foundation. His philanthropic efforts focus on promoting tolerance, reconciliation, and Holocaust remembrance.

Career Milestones

1989

Founded Intelmas

Founded Intelmas, a company specializing in computer technologies.

1993

Acquired Azot

Acquired the Azot chemical plant in Novgorod, later rebranded as Acron.

2007

President of European Jewish Congress

Served as President of the European Jewish Congress.

2022

Stepped down from the European Jewish Congress

Stepped down as chair of the European Jewish Congress in 2022 after 15 years.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Jewish Community

European Jewish Congress (EJC)

Undisclosed

Served as President and supports the organization's mission to promote Jewish life and combat antisemitism.

Holocaust Remembrance

World Holocaust Forum Foundation

Undisclosed

Founded and chaired the World Holocaust Forum Foundation, focused on Holocaust remembrance.

Tolerance and Reconciliation

European Council on Tolerance and Reconciliation

Undisclosed

Founded the European Council on Tolerance and Reconciliation.

Controversies & Challenges

2022

Sanctions by UK and EU

Sanctioned by the UK and EU in 2022 due to alleged ties to the Russian-Ukraine conflict.

2020

World Holocaust Forum Controversy

The World Holocaust Forum organized by Kantor came under controversy after Vladimir Putin was allowed to give a speech that distorted the history of the Soviet Union in World War II.