Early Life
Yuri Shefler was born in Oryol, Russia, on September 10, 1967. Not much is known about his early years. Shefler holds citizenship in Russia, the United Kingdom, and Israel.
Rise to Success
After leaving the Soviet Army in September 1987, Shefler embarked on a business career. In 1993, he co-founded the Sadko-Arkada trading house. He established the SPI Group in 1997. Shefler's entrepreneurial journey led him to dominate the international alcohol market under SPI Group. He was accused of misappropriation of the alcohol brand Stolichnaya Vodka and was forced to leave Russia.
Key Business Strategies
Shefler's primary business strategy has been to build SPI Group into a major player in the global alcohol market. SPI Group produces and sells alcohol under 380 brands. The company has made significant acquisitions and has been involved in legal battles over trademarks. In 2021, Shefler divided his alcohol business into two companies, Stoli Group (manufacturing vodka under the Stoli brand) and Amber Beverage Group (manufacturing other spirits).
Philanthropy
Yuri Shefler has allocated about 38 million euros to the Ukrainian military, which went towards purchasing 120,000 drones, 52,000 square meters of camouflage nets, 6,000 rounds of ammunition, 1,200 vehicles, as well as provisions, communications equipment, and anti-drone devices.