Roman Abramovich

Early years and education

Born in Saratov, soon after his birth he lost his parents: his mother died of complications after an abortion, his father was run over by a crane. He was brought up by relatives in Ukhta and Moscow. He studied at the Ukhta Industrial Institute, later entered the Moscow State Law Institute, but did not complete his education in full.

Starting a business

In the 1980s, he started with trading: first trading toys, then he became involved in the oil business. In the early 1990s, together with Boris Berezovsky, he participated in the creation of Sibneft, which was privatized from the state.

Rise in the oil business

"Sibneft was established in 1995 and soon became one of the largest oil companies in Russia.
In 2005, he sold a 72.7% stake in Sibneft to state-owned Gazprom for about $13 billion.
These transactions made Abramovich one of the richest men in Russia.

Other assets

He was a co-owner of RusAl aluminum company (he was a member of Russian Aluminum together with Oleg Deripaska).
Invested in various companies through Millhouse Capital.
Participated in the financing of infrastructure projects, including Chukotka.

Chelsea

In 2003, he bought the London soccer club Chelsea for £140 million.
During his management of the club (2003-2022) Chelsea won many trophies: 5 English championships, UEFA Champions League (2012 and 2021), UEFA Europa League (2013 and 2019) and others.
Abramovich invested more than £1.5 billion in the club, turning it into one of the most successful clubs in Europe.

Political activity

In 2000-2008, he was Governor of the Chukotka Autonomous District.
During his governorship, he actively invested in the region, spending billions of rubles on the development of social and transportation infrastructure.
After 2008, he remained a deputy of the Chukotka Duma until 2013.

Sanctions and life after 2022

In 2022, after Russia's war against Ukraine began, Abramovich came under sanctions from the UK, EU and other countries.
He was forced to sell Chelsea to a consortium of investors led by Todd Boely.
Reportedly, part of the proceeds (around £2.5bn) were supposed to go to humanitarian causes in Ukraine, but the fund that is supposed to distribute the money was never fully established.

Personal life and property

He has been married three times and has seven children.
Known as an art collector; his collection is estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars.
Owned or formerly owned yachts (including the famous “Eclipse”), private jets and real estate in various countries (England, France, Israel).
In 2018, he obtained Israeli citizenship and later Portuguese citizenship (as part of the law on the descendants of Sephardic Jews).

Interesting facts

He is known as a person who prefers to stay in the shadows: he rarely gives interviews and does not lead a public life.
According to media reports, at the beginning of the war in Ukraine, he acted as an intermediary in negotiations between Kiev and Moscow.
His last name in Hebrew is רומן אברמוביץ׳.

Oil and gas

Sibneft is the largest asset that made Abramovich a billionaire.
Established in 1995, it was sold to Gazprom in 2005 for ~$13 bln.

Metals and industry

RusAl is the largest aluminum holding (in partnership with Oleg Deripaska).
Evraz Group - one of the world's largest steel producers. Controlled a significant stake through Millhouse (up to ~30% in different years).

Investment structure

Millhouse Capital / Millhouse LLC is a management company through which Abramovich has invested in various industries: media, real estate, energy and startups.

Sport

Chelsea Football Club (2003-2022). Sold in May 2022 to a consortium led by Todd Boely for £2.5 billion.

Real estate

Has long owned an extensive portfolio of luxury real estate:
A luxury mansion in London's Kensington neighborhood (estimated at ~£150 million).
Villa La Leopolda on France's Côte d'Azur (previously estimated at ~$400m).
Several houses in Israel (including a house in Herzliya).
Houses and apartments in the USA (New York, Colorado, Los Angeles) - some of the assets were sold.
Mansions in Moscow.

Yachts

Eclipse - superyacht ~162 meters long, cost ~$500 million to build.
Luna - expedition yacht ~115 meters long, sold in 2014. Farhad Akhmedov.
Other smaller yachts.

Aviapark

Privately owned Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner airplane.
Previously owned a Boeing 767-33A/ER (“The Bandit”) and several Gulfstreams.

Art

A collection of paintings and art objects with a total value, according to various estimates, from $500 million to $1 billion.
Among the famous acquisitions are works by Lucian Freud, Francis Bacon, Giacometti and others.

Other assets and startups

Investments in technology and media projects through foundations.
Participation in various charitable and educational initiatives, especially in Chukotka and Israel.