Early Life and Education
Igor Yakovlev was born in 1965. He graduated from the Dagestan Polytechnic Institute with a Master of Science in Engineering and later from the St. Petersburg University of the Ministry of the Interior.
Rise to Success: Eldorado and Kari
In 1994, Yakovlev, along with his brother Oleg, founded the Eldorado company, quickly becoming a leading home appliance retailer in Russia. By 2003, Eldorado had expanded to become the largest chain in Russia, with 125 franchise stores. The network's turnover in 2002 amounted to $800 million. In 2008, Yakovlev sold the Russian Eldorado to a Czech group.
Following the sale of Eldorado, Yakovlev founded Kari in 2012, a retail chain specializing in shoes, accessories, and household goods. Kari expanded rapidly across Russia, boasting over 1,200 locations in cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Novosibirsk.
Key Business Strategies
Yakovlev's success can be attributed to his keen understanding of the Russian market, his strategic approach to expansion, and his ability to adapt to the changing economic landscape. He focused on providing accessible and affordable products, catering to a broad consumer base. His ventures demonstrate a consistent focus on industries with mass-market appeal and significant growth potential.
Philanthropy
Information on specific philanthropic initiatives and amounts is not available.