Early Life
Andrei Aleksandrovich Krivenko was born on July 25, 1975, in Chernogolovka, USSR. From a young age, he demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit. He graduated from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) and also studied audit and accounting at the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics.
Rise to Success
Krivenko's career started in the financial sector. From 2004 to 2008, he worked as the financial director for Agama Trade, a major Russian seafood distributor. He left Agama Trade to start his own venture. In 2009, he opened the first store, Izbenka, which sold fresh dairy products. This initial venture set the stage for the creation of VkusVill. In 2012, the first VkusVill stores opened. He focused on providing healthy and responsibly sourced products, as well as local producers.
Key Business Strategies
Krivenko's strategy for VkusVill included offering fresh, healthy food at affordable prices. The company has grown rapidly, with a focus on customer satisfaction, decentralization, and rapid adaptation to customer needs. The stores are small and autonomous, and decisions are made by store teams. VkusVill uses a system of promises to manage the company, with promises made to customers, supporting promises made by people in the stores, and peripheral promises made by headquarters to support other promises. In 2024, the company's turnover reached 329 billion rubles, and the share of online product delivery reached 50%.
Philanthropy
While specific philanthropy amounts are not readily available, Krivenko planned to donate 20% of his VkusVill shares to key executives, showing a commitment to sharing success within the company. VkusVill's focus on local sourcing and support for small producers also reflects a broader commitment to community and sustainable business practices.