Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#81

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Vladimir Potanin

CEO, Norilsk Nickel

Real-Time Net Worth

$24.2B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Metals

Industry

metals-mining

Citizenship

Biography

Vladimir Potanin, born in Moscow on January 3, 1961, is a prominent Russian businessman and billionaire, currently ranked #81 on Forbes' Billionaires list. His source of wealth stems primarily from his significant holdings in the metals industry, particularly through his ownership of Norilsk Nickel, the world's largest producer of refined nickel and palladium. Potanin's career began in foreign trade before he founded the Interros investment company, which holds stakes in various sectors. He also served as First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia. His achievements include developing the Rosa Khutor ski resort and establishing the Vladimir Potanin Charitable Foundation. Potanin is also known for his commitment to philanthropy, including signing the Giving Pledge.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

Norilsk Nickel

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Vladimir Olegovich Potanin was born in Moscow, Russia, on January 3, 1961. He came from a high-ranking Communist family. He studied at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), graduating in 1983 with a degree in International Economic Relations. He then began his career in foreign trade.

Rise to Success

Potanin's career took off in the early 1990s during Russia's transition to a market economy. He founded Interros in 1991, a private association that later became an investment company. A pivotal moment was his involvement in the loans-for-shares program in 1995. This program allowed Potanin to acquire significant stakes in major Russian companies, most notably Norilsk Nickel. Through Interros, Potanin owns just over a third of Norilsk Nickel.

Key Business Strategies

Potanin's success is rooted in identifying and capitalizing on opportunities during Russia's economic transformation. His business strategy includes strategic investments in key industries, navigating the complexities of the Russian market, and building significant ownership stakes in strategic assets. He also served as First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia from August 1996 to March 1997.

Philanthropy

Vladimir Potanin is a dedicated philanthropist, having established the Vladimir Potanin Charitable Foundation in 1999. The foundation supports education, culture, and philanthropy in Russia. He has pledged to donate a significant portion of his wealth to charitable causes and is a signatory of The Giving Pledge.

Career Milestones

1991

Founded Interros

Established the Interros investment company, which became a significant player in various sectors.

1993

President of United Export Import Bank (ONEKSIMbank)

Took on the role of President at United Export Import Bank.

1995

Loans-for-Shares Program

Played a key role in the Loans-for-Shares program, acquiring significant stakes in major Russian companies, including Norilsk Nickel.

1996-1997

First Deputy Prime Minister

Served as the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation.

1998

President and Chairman of Interros

Assumed the roles of President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Interros Company.

2007

Split with Mikhail Prokhorov

Announced a split with long-term business partner Mikhail Prokhorov.

2012

CEO of Norilsk Nickel

Became CEO of Norilsk Nickel.

2014

Rosa Khutor ski resort

Developed the Rosa Khutor ski resort for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education, Culture and Philanthropy

Vladimir Potanin Charitable Foundation

$XB

Established the Vladimir Potanin Charitable Foundation in 1999 to implement long-term projects in Russian education and culture.

Philanthropy

The Giving Pledge

Undisclosed

Signed The Giving Pledge, committing to donate at least half of his wealth to charity.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"My capital should work for the good of society and continue working for these social aims."

"I am confident that one cannot solve social problems by simply writing a check. Personal involvement is of great importance."

Leadership Principles

Strategic Investments

Identifying and investing in key industries and assets to build a diversified portfolio.

Philanthropy

Sharing achievements and success with society through charitable giving and personal involvement.

Adaptability

Navigating the complexities of the Russian economic landscape and adapting to changing market conditions.

Controversies & Challenges

1990s

Loans-for-Shares Program

Involved in the loans-for-shares program, which has been criticized for the acquisition of state assets at undervalued prices.

2014

Divorce Proceedings

Divorce from his first wife, Natalia Potanina, and the subsequent legal battles over the division of assets.

2022

Sanctions

Sanctioned by the UK, Canada, and the USA due to the Russo-Ukrainian War.