Billionaire Profile
V
Global Rank
#1195

Image: United States Congress | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Vladimir Litvinenko & family

CEO, Chemical industry
RUSSIA
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.616B
Estimated based on Chemical industry stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
70
Source
Chemical industry
Industry
Manufacturing
Citizenship
RUSSIA

Biography

Vladimir Litvinenko, born in 1955, is a prominent figure in Russia, known for his significant wealth derived from the chemical industry and his long-standing position as rector of Saint Petersburg Mining University. His career intersects with both academia and politics, having been the campaign manager for Vladimir Putin. Litvinenko's estimated net worth is $3.6 billion as of 2024, placing him among the wealthiest individuals globally. He has been the Rector of Saint Petersburg Mining University since the 1990s and has been involved in the phosphate mining company PhosAgro. His career has seen him involved in overseeing Vladimir Putin's dissertation work. His business dealings include a substantial share in PhosAgro, a leading fertilizer producer. Furthermore, Litvinenko has faced scrutiny and sanctions due to his close ties with the Russian government.

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

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Vladimir Stefanovich Litvinenko was born on August 14, 1955, in the Soviet Union. He began his education at the Novocherkassk Mining College and later graduated from the Leningrad Mining Institute in 1982 with a degree in mining engineering. His academic focus was on geomechanical processes and resource extraction technologies, setting the stage for his expertise in the fuel and energy sectors.

Rise to Success and Career

Litvinenko's career has been marked by his role as the Rector of Saint Petersburg Mining University since the 1990s. Under his leadership, the university has expanded training programs, particularly for experts in the fuel and energy complex, and has built connections beyond Russia. He also oversaw Vladimir Putin's dissertation work in 1996.

Key Business Strategies

Litvinenko's wealth primarily stems from his involvement in the chemical industry, most notably through his shareholding in PhosAgro, a major phosphate-based fertilizer producer. He initially acquired shares in PhosAgro and has steadily increased his stake over time. In May 2022, he transferred his stake to his wife, Tatyana Litvinenko.

Philanthropy

Litvinenko's philanthropic activities are channeled through his long-term rectorship of Saint Petersburg Mining University, where he has directed resources into educational infrastructure and programs focused on mining, geology, and energy sectors.

Career Milestones

1990s

Rector of Saint Petersburg Mining University

Became the Rector of Saint Petersburg Mining University, a position he still holds.

1996

Oversaw Vladimir Putin's Dissertation

Oversaw Vladimir Putin's dissertation work at the Saint Petersburg Mining University.

2000, 2004

Campaign Manager for Vladimir Putin

Served as Vladimir Putin's political campaign manager.

2022

Transferred PhosAgro Stake

Transferred his PhosAgro stake to his wife, Tatyana Litvinenko.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Saint Petersburg Mining University

Undisclosed

Channeled resources into educational infrastructure and programs.

Controversies & Challenges

1996

Plagiarism Allegations

Oversaw Vladimir Putin's dissertation work, which was alleged to contain plagiarism.

2010

Family Dispute

His daughter, Olga, accused him of kidnapping her daughter.

2022

Sanctions

Came under U.S. sanctions for his proximity to Putin.