Early Life
Alexander Antonovich Machkevich was born on February 23, 1954, in Frunze, Kyrgyz SSR, Soviet Union. His parents, Anton and Rakhel, were of Lithuanian Jewish background. He began his career in academics, earning a degree in philology from Kyrgyz State University. He later became the youngest candidate of science in pedagogy and psychology in 1981.
Rise to Success
Machkevich transitioned from academia to business during the perestroika period. He, along with partners Patokh Chodiev and Alijan Ibragimov, formed a group known as "The Trio." This partnership gained control of key mineral and gas operations in Kazakhstan. They co-founded the Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation (ENRC), which later became the Eurasian Resources Group (ERG). ERG became a major contributor to the Kazakh economy.
Key Business Strategies
Machkevich's strategic moves included focusing on mining and metals, recognizing the importance of these resources in the global market. ERG's operations expanded to mining, smelting, energy production, and financial services across 14 countries. He also focused on obtaining a stake in Eurasian Bank.
Philanthropy
Beyond business, Machkevich was a committed philanthropist. He established the Machkevitch Foundation with his wife, Larissa, to support various causes. He contributed significantly to religious initiatives, constructing and renovating synagogues, mosques, and churches, and fostering interfaith dialogue. He founded the Kazakhstan Jewish Congress and the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC).