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Billionaire Profile
Vladimir Kim
Global Rank
#705

Vladimir Kim

CEO, Mining
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Real-Time Net Worth
$5.95B
Estimated based on Mining stock value as of September 10, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
65
Source
Mining
Industry
Metals & Mining
Citizenship
Kazakhstan

Biography

Vladimir Kim is a prominent Kazakhstani businessman, born on October 29, 1960. He is of Korean descent and is known as the richest person in Kazakhstan. Kim's wealth primarily comes from his significant stake in copper mining enterprises. He holds approximately 63.5% ownership in KAZ Minerals PLC, a major copper producer. Kim's career includes executive roles at Kazakhmys, where he orchestrated a management buyout. He is also involved in Bank RBK. His estimated net worth is $5.9 billion as of 2024. He has been the richest person in Kazakhstan for several years, a testament to his business acumen and financial success. Kim's background also includes an academic foundation, holding degrees in civil engineering, economics, and business administration.

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Data Updated
Sep 10, 2026
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Wealth Over Time

Net Worth History

YearNet Worth
2026$5.95B
2025$5.90B
2024$5.90B
2022$5.00B

Portfolio Holdings

KAZ Minerals PLC

KAZ Minerals PLC

KAZ•metals-mining
$3.60B
Holdings Value
Ownership
63.5%
Revenue
$4.14B
60,000 employees
Founded 2014

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Vladimir Sergeyevich Kim was born on October 29, 1960, in Myrzakent, Kazakhstan. His family is of Korean descent, part of the Koryo-saram community. He graduated from the Kazakh Leading Academy of Architecture and Civil Engineering in 1982 with a degree in civil engineering. Kim furthered his education with an MBA and a PhD in business and administrative management from John F. Kennedy University in California in 1998.

Rise to Success

Kim's career began in the construction sector before he entered the mining industry in 1995, joining Kazakhmys. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming chairman. Under his leadership, Kazakhmys expanded and listed on the London Stock Exchange. After restructuring, Kim focused on KAZ Minerals, a major copper producer. He holds a significant ownership stake, which has contributed to his substantial wealth.

Key Business Strategies

Key business strategies included strategic acquisitions and restructuring of the mining operations to focus on high-grade assets. This helped to increase copper output and expand the company's influence in the mining sector, establishing him as the richest person in Kazakhstan.

Philanthropy

Kim has established the Vladimir Kim Foundation, which supports education, healthcare, and cultural initiatives in Kazakhstan.

Career Milestones

1995

Managing Director and CEO of Zhezkazgantsvetmet JSC

Appointed managing director and CEO of Zhezkazgantsvetmet JSC, a core subsidiary of Kazakhmys.

2000

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zhezkazgantsvetmet

Elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zhezkazgantsvetmet.

2005

Chairman of Kazakhmys

Became Chairman of Kazakhmys upon its listing on the London Stock Exchange.

2013

Stepped down as Chairman of KAZ Minerals

Stepped down as chairman of KAZ Minerals, but remained a non-executive director.

2023

Purchased a Stake in Hitech Grand Prix

Acquired a 25% stake in the Hitech Grand Prix motor racing team.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Social

Vladimir Kim Foundation

Supports education, healthcare, and cultural initiatives in Kazakhstan.

Controversies & Challenges

2012

False Evidence Allegations

Accused of providing false evidence in a Kazakh court during the trial of former Prime Minister Akezhan Kazhegeldin.

Billionaires Connected to Vladimir Kim

Peers in Metals & Mining

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Richest in Kazakhstan

All billionaires from Kazakhstan →

Adjacent Global Ranks

Full global ranking →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vladimir Kim's net worth in 2026?
As of 2026, Vladimir Kim's estimated net worth is $5.947 billion, ranking #705 among the world's billionaires. The estimate is based on publicly available shareholding data and market prices, updated daily.
How did Vladimir Kim make their money?
Vladimir Kim's wealth primarily comes from Mining, most notably through Mining.
Where is Vladimir Kim from?
Vladimir Kim is from Kazakhstan.
How old is Vladimir Kim?
Vladimir Kim is 65 years old.

Sources & References

  1. Vladimir Kim — Forbes profile — Forbes