Early Life and Education
Kostyantin Valentynovych Zhevago was born in Iultin, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union (now Russia) on January 7, 1974. He spent his childhood in Dniprorudne, Zaporizhia Oblast, Ukraine. Zhevago graduated with honors from school and entered the Kyiv National Economic University in 1991, specializing in accounting and analysis of foreign economic activity. He obtained a degree in International Economic Relations and a master's degree in Economics in 1996, followed by a PhD in Economics in 2003, focusing on international investments.
Career and Rise to Success
Zhevago began his career in the financial sector, becoming the chief financial officer of Finance and Credit JSC from 1993 to 1996. He then became Chairman of the Board of Finance and Credit Bank from 1996 to 1998. He served as a member of the Verkhovna Rada (parliament of Ukraine) continuously for 21 years from 1998 until 2019. A major milestone was bringing Ferrexpo to the London Stock Exchange, the first company with Ukrainian assets to trade on the main market. He also served as the Executive Director of Ferrexpo from 2008 to 2019.
Key Business Strategies
Zhevago's key business strategy involved acquiring stakes in mining assets, notably iron ore, that formed the basis of Ferrexpo. He focused on vertically integrated operations from mining to pellet production. This strategy included investments in processing facilities, expansion into new markets, and emphasizing high-grade iron ore pellets for steel production.
Philanthropy
While details on specific amounts are unavailable from search results, Zhevago is known to be a philanthropist. He has been involved in charitable activities. In 2012, he supported reading programs for children in London.