Early Life and Education
Mikhail Safarbekovich Gutseriev was born in Akmolinsk, Kazakh SSR, on March 9, 1958. His family was of Ingush descent. He began his career in the 1970s and worked his way up to General Director in the Grozny Industrial Association. He later pursued higher education, graduating from the Dzhambul Technological Institute of Light and Food Industry in 1981. He also earned degrees from the Finance Academy under the Government of the Russian Federation, Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas, and St. Petersburg University of Law.
Rise to Success
Gutseriev's business career took off after the collapse of the Soviet Union. He founded the industrial and financial company BIN (Bank of Investments and Innovations) in Moscow in 1992. In 2002, he established and became the head of RussNeft, which became one of Russia's largest oil companies. He served as the president of NGK Slavneft OAO in 2000. Gutseriev has consistently been ranked among the wealthiest individuals in Russia by Forbes, with his net worth fluctuating over the years.
Key Business Strategies
Gutseriev's business acumen is evident in his strategic acquisitions and diversified portfolio. He invested billions in acquiring banks, pension funds, oil fields, factories, and real estate. His holdings include significant real estate on Tverskaya Street in Moscow and business projects in Belarus, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan. He also owns several media and radio stations, including Radio Shanson.
Philanthropy
Gutseriev has been involved in philanthropic endeavors and has supported cultural initiatives, including the reconstruction of a school destroyed in the First Chechen War. In 2020, during the pandemic, he offered his hotels to Moscow authorities to aid in the fight against the coronavirus.