Early Life and Education
Vladimir Yevtushenkov was born on September 25, 1948, near Smolensk, Russia. He earned master's degrees in chemistry (1973) and economics (1980), and a PhD in economics (1986). His early career included roles as an engineer and chief engineer at the Karacharovo Plastics Works before entering the Moscow city government.
Rise to Success
Yevtushenkov founded AFK Sistema in 1993. He transformed a Moscow municipal department into a commercial enterprise, gaining access to government contracts and capital. Sistema, under his leadership, became a major conglomerate with holdings in telecommunications, healthcare, retail, and other sectors. Sistema's IPO in February 2005 was Russia's largest at the time, raising $1.35 billion. Yevtushenkov was the chairman of Sistema's board of directors until April 2022, when he reduced his stake to 49.2% and stepped down from the board due to sanctions.
Key Business Strategies
Yevtushenkov's strategy involved early investments in the telecommunications sector, particularly with MTS, which became Russia's largest cellular carrier. He also expanded Sistema's portfolio through acquisitions in various industries, demonstrating a knack for identifying promising ventures and driving growth. His approach involved a model of sustainable growth, ensuring durability during economic downturns. He was among the first to zero in on the potential of progressive technologies.
Philanthropy
Yevtushenkov is known for his philanthropic efforts. He established a charitable foundation within Sistema in 2004, focusing on education, science, sports, and culture. The foundation supported various social programs, particularly in regional development, and provided aid during the COVID-19 pandemic.