Early Life and Education
Petro Oleksiyovych Poroshenko was born on September 26, 1965, in Bolhrad, Ukraine. He graduated with a degree in economics from the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv in 1989. During his university years, he also served in the army from 1984-1986.
Rise to Success
Poroshenko's business acumen became evident early on. He started by selling cocoa beans and later founded Roshen, a confectionery manufacturer, in 1996. Roshen grew to become one of the largest confectionery producers in Eastern Europe. He also served as the head of the Council of Ukraine's National Bank from 2007 to 2012 and Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2009 to 2010.
Key Business Strategies
Poroshenko's success is rooted in his ability to identify opportunities and build a vertically integrated business. His strategic acquisition of confectionery plants and the expansion of Roshen into various international markets were key to his wealth accumulation. Roshen has factories across Europe and exports to numerous countries. In the first quarter of 2024, Roshen's turnover increased by 17%. In 2023, the net profit of Roshen Corporation exceeded UAH 5 billion.
Philanthropy
Poroshenko, through the Petro Poroshenko Charity Foundation, has been actively involved in philanthropy, particularly in supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces. In September, the foundation, along with Roshen and the NGO "Sprava Hromad," provided assistance to the Armed Forces totaling nearly $46 million.