Billionaire Profile
Zarakh Iliev
Global Rank
#1027

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Zarakh Iliev

CEO, Kievskaya Ploshchad Group of Companies
RU
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.3B
As of December 2025
Age
59
Source
Real estate
Industry
real-estate
Citizenship
RU

Biography

Zarakh Iliev, born in 1966, is a prominent Russian-Azerbaijani billionaire specializing in real estate development. With an estimated net worth of $3.3 billion as of early March 2024, he ranks among the wealthiest individuals in Russia. His wealth stems from his extensive real estate holdings, particularly through the Kievskaya Ploshchad Group, which he co-founded. Iliev's career began in retail before transitioning to construction, where he spearheaded numerous successful projects, including shopping centers, hotels, and agricultural facilities. He is recognized for his significant contributions to the commercial property market and his philanthropic endeavors, including supporting Jewish educational projects and cultural institutions. Iliev's close ties with Russian and Azerbaijani political figures have also been noted.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Zarakh Binsionovich Iliev was born on September 8, 1966, in the village of Krasnaya Sloboda, Azerbaijan SSR. This village is also known as the "Caucasian Jerusalem" due to its historical significance as a settlement of Mountain Jews. His father was a shoemaker, and Zarakh, along with his siblings, learned the craft from a young age. At 17, he moved to Moscow.

Rise to Success

In Moscow, Iliev started wholesaling at the Cherkizovsky Market with God Nisanov, with whom he later founded the Kievskaya Ploshchad Group of Companies in 1992. The company initially focused on property development and grew to own significant commercial, office, warehouse, and hotel real estate in Moscow. Some of their major assets include the Sadovod market, the agricultural cluster Food City, Hotel Ukraina (now Radisson Collection Hotel, Moscow), the food court Depo, and the Olympic Stadium.

Key Business Strategies

Iliev's business strategy has focused on developing large-scale commercial properties, including shopping centers, hotels, and transportation hubs. His ventures have significantly impacted Moscow's urban landscape. Kievskaya Ploshchad has been a key player in the Russian commercial property market and has consistently been ranked among Russia's largest private companies.

Philanthropy

Zarakh Iliev is involved in various philanthropic activities, supporting charity organizations such as Liniya Zhizni, Podari Zhizn, and others. He has also contributed to renovating cultural and educational facilities, including the Cheder Menahem Jewish school in Moscow.

Career Milestones

1992

Founded Kievskaya Ploshchad Group of Companies

Co-founded the company with God Nisanov, focusing on property development.

2005

Acquired and Renovated Hotel Ukraina

Acquired the Hotel Ukraina (now Radisson Collection Hotel, Moscow) and oversaw its renovation.

2012

Forbes recognized Iliev as "Kings of Russian Real Estate"

Forbes began recognizing him and his partner God Nisanov for their success in the commercial real estate market.

2014

Launched Food City

Developed and launched Food City, an agricultural cluster.

2020

Opened Depo Gastronomic Quarter

Opened a modern gastronomic quarter in Moscow.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Charity

Various Charity Organizations

Unknown

Donations to organizations like Liniya Zhizni, Podari Zhizn, and others.

Education

Jewish Community Support

Unknown

Supported the construction of the Cheder Menahem Jewish school and other educational projects.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Leadership Principles

Focus and Determination

Iliev emphasizes the importance of hard work and believing in oneself.

Strategic Partnerships

Building strong partnerships with individuals like God Nisanov.

Risk Diversification

Implementing various projects simultaneously.

Controversies & Challenges

2022

Sanctions

Iliev was placed on sanction lists by the USA, the UK, and Ukraine following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

2024

Evading Sanctions

Iliev was accused of evading sanctions by exporting an Airbus A320neo business jet from the European Union.