Early Life
Roman Ivanovich Avdeev was born on July 17, 1967, in Odintsovo, Moscow region. His early life was typical of the Soviet era, with modest beginnings. He attended a local school and later enrolled in the Moscow Power Engineering Institute in 1984. After two years, he was drafted into the army. He later obtained a degree in Construction Engineering from the Lipetsk State Technical University in 1996, and completed a course in Banking from Moscow International University of Business and Management in 1999.
Rise to Success
Avdeev's entrepreneurial journey began in the late 1980s when he started a business selling radio components and decoders for TV sets. In 1994, he made a pivotal move by acquiring Credit Bank of Moscow (CBM) through an advertisement. This acquisition became a cornerstone of his wealth. He made a fortune in the cash-handling business during the 1990s. Avdeev expanded his ventures to include agriculture, but later sold this business in 2006. In 2006, he established Rossium Concern to consolidate his assets. This led to investments in real estate development and construction in the 2010s. Avdeev's success brought him international recognition, including his inclusion in Forbes' lists of European and global billionaires.
Key Business Strategies
Avdeev's business strategy has been marked by strategic acquisitions and consolidation. He focused on expanding the capitalization of CBM and investing in new businesses to increase shareholder value. His Rossium Concern holding company played a crucial role in managing and expanding his diverse investments. In 2024, Avdeev sold all his Russian assets including Credit Bank of Moscow to his partner, Sergey Sudarikov. He sold his stake in the Rossium Group holding, which included Credit Bank of Moscow (CBM), among other assets.
Philanthropy
Avdeev is known for his strong commitment to philanthropy, particularly his dedication to helping children. In 2014, he founded the 'Arithmetic of Good' fund to support Russian orphans and adoptive families, supporting over 1000 orphans and 1200 adoptive families. His philanthropic efforts have earned him several awards, including the Wings of the Stork award from the Government of Moscow.