Early Life
Alisher Burkhanovich Usmanov was born on September 9, 1953, in Chust, Uzbekistan, then part of the Soviet Union. His father was a state prosecutor, providing a privileged upbringing. Usmanov's childhood was spent in Tashkent. He developed an early interest in fencing and later became a Master of Sport.
Rise to Success
Usmanov graduated from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) with a degree in international law in 1976. His career began in the Soviet Union. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, he transitioned to private business ventures. In the 1990s, he capitalized on the privatization wave. He acquired assets in the metals and mining sectors. He co-founded Metalloinvest, which became a major industrial conglomerate.
Key Business Strategies
Usmanov's success can be attributed to strategic investments across multiple industries, including metals, mining, telecommunications, and technology. His early investments included acquiring a 49% ownership stake in Metalloinvest. He also invested in MegaFon, the Russian mobile operator. In 2009, he invested in Facebook and also in companies like Apple, Alibaba, and Xiaomi. He entered the media sector by purchasing Kommersant publishing house.
Philanthropy
Usmanov is a well-known philanthropist. He founded the Art, Science and Sport Charity Foundation. He has donated billions of dollars to charitable causes over the past two decades. His philanthropic efforts support cultural, educational, and sporting initiatives in Russia and abroad. He has also contributed to restoration projects in Italy.