Early Life
Arsen Bashirovich Kanokov was born on February 22, 1957, in the village of Shitkhala, Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia. His parents were laborers; his father was a sovkhoz worker and his mother was a medical assistant. He graduated from School No. 1 in Nartkala and later pursued higher education at the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics.
Rise to Success
Kanokov began his career in the Moskvoretsk fruit and vegetable association, eventually becoming a shop manager. In 1987, he founded the Kodeks trade and purchasing cooperative, which was later reorganized into the Sindika holding company in 1991. Sindika's operations expanded into construction, banking, and investment, and the development of multi-functional trading complexes. Kanokov's business acumen led to significant real estate holdings, including shopping centers and hotels.
Key Business Strategies
Kanokov's business strategy has been centered on strategic investments in real estate and diversification into sectors such as banking. The Sindika Group has grown to include numerous shopping centers and hotels across Russia. He expanded his portfolio by acquiring shares in Starbucks, OBI, and McDonald's franchises in Russia after these companies decided to exit the country amid the Russia-Ukraine war.
Philanthropy
Kanokov has been involved in various philanthropic activities. He has supported families with multiple children and orphanages. He has also sponsored local football teams.