Early Life and Education
Oleg Vladimirovich Deripaska was born on January 2, 1968, in Dzerzhinsk, Russia. He graduated with honors in physics from Moscow State University in 1993 and earned a master's degree from the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics in 1996.
Rise to Success
Deripaska began his career in the metals trade, acquiring stakes in the Sayanogorsk aluminium smelter. In 1994, at the age of 26, he became the director general of the plant. He founded Sibirsky Aluminium Group in 1997, which merged with Millhouse Capital to create RUSAL in 2000. He played a key role in the 'aluminium wars' of the 1990s in Russia. By 2007, he was Russia's richest man.
Key Business Strategies
Deripaska's strategy involved consolidating aluminum assets and expanding into various sectors like energy, manufacturing, and financial services through his company Basic Element. He led the merger of Rusal, SUAL Group, and Glencore International AG to form UC Rusal.
Philanthropy
Deripaska established Volnoe Delo, Russia's largest charitable foundation.
