Early Life
Michel Litvak was born in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg) in 1951 to Russian Jewish parents. In 1962, his family immigrated to Belgium via Poland, settling in Brussels. Litvak worked from a young age, which meant he did not have the privilege of pursuing higher education.
Rise to Success
In 1974, Litvak secured financing to start a chain of medical laboratories in Belgium. Later, in 1990, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Litvak relocated to Moscow and began trading consumer goods between Russia and China. This venture became the largest of its kind for several years. He then founded OTEKO Group, which became a leader in logistics, owning the largest fleet of rail tankers. He later focused on port development, acquiring land in 2000 for a deep-sea harbor in Taman on the Black Sea. OTEKO opened its energy terminal in 2012 and its dry bulk terminal in 2019.
Key Business Strategies
Litvak's business strategy involved recognizing opportunities in logistics and infrastructure, particularly in Russia. He built OTEKO into a major player by investing in port facilities and expanding into related industries. The sale of the railroad business allowed him to focus on expanding port and industrial infrastructure.
Philanthropy
Litvak is actively involved in philanthropy. He is also a supporter of Reichman University and the Herzliya conference.