Early Life and Education
Vladimir Petrovich Yevtushenkov was born on September 25, 1948, in Smolensk, Russia. He holds master's degrees in chemistry (1973, from the D. Mendeleev Moscow Chemical Engineering Institute) and economics (1980), and a PhD in economics (1986). Yevtushenkov began his career as an engineer at Karacharovo Plastics Works until 1982, and later as chief engineer and first deputy general director of the Polymerbyt Scientific and Production Association until 1987.
Rise to Success
In 1987, Yevtushenkov became the head of the Department of Science and Technology for the Moscow city government. He resigned in 1993, a year after Yuri Luzhkov became mayor of Moscow, to establish Sistema from his small city department known as the Moscow Committee on Science and Technology. Sistema's early successes included acquiring a 55% stake in Moscow City Telephone Network (MGTS) and control of the Moscow Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Yevtushenkov took Sistema public in February 2005, with an IPO that was Russia's largest ever at the time.
Key Business Strategies
Yevtushenkov's business strategy focused on diversification and strategic investments. He aimed to build a diversified portfolio to mitigate risks, a strategy that helped the company navigate economic downturns. Sistema expanded into telecommunications, real estate, retail, and healthcare. Notably, he invested in the oil and gas sector, acquiring oil and gas companies in the Republic of Bashkortostan, which formed the foundation of Bashneft. In 2011, Yevtushenkov implemented a strategic shift, restructuring the organization on an investment fund model.
Philanthropy
Yevtushenkov is involved in philanthropic endeavors. He established a charitable foundation in 2004 under the AFK Sistema umbrella, focusing on education, science, sports, and culture, and has supported regional development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation supported medical institutions through the #StranaBezVirusa initiative.
