Early Life and Education
Vasily Anisimov was born on September 19, 1951, in Almaty, Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic, USSR. He graduated with a degree in economics from the Alma-Ata Institute of National Economy in 1977.
Rise to Success
Anisimov started his career as a commodity expert and later became commercial director of the Kaztorgodezhda trading base in Kazakhstan. From 1986 to 1989, he served as general director of the Moscow-based hardware wholesaler, Roskhoztorg. In 1989, he founded Trust Company, which exported non-ferrous metals. Anisimov made his fortune through trading in non-ferrous metals and later moved into real estate development. He founded Coalco, a real estate development company that initially focused on metals but later transitioned to real estate. Through Coalco, he amassed a substantial real estate portfolio, including approximately 37,000 acres of land near Moscow. He partnered with Alisher Usmanov and Andrei Skoch in Metalloinvest, but he divested his shares in 2011.
Key Business Strategies
Anisimov's business strategy involved identifying opportunities in post-Soviet Russia. He capitalized on the privatization of state assets and invested in various sectors, including aluminum, real estate, and vodka production. His ability to adapt and diversify his investments, particularly his move into real estate through Coalco, was a key factor in his success. He also served as head of the Russian Judo Federation from 2010 to 2022.
Philanthropy
Anisimov is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly his interest in the Russian Orthodox Church. He has overseen the restoration of numerous churches and provided financial assistance to religious institutions. He also supports sports and was the president of the Russian Judo Federation.