Zakhar Smushkin

Net Worth

$2.106B

0% (24h)

Zakhar Smushkin, a 63-year-old Russian entrepreneur, is ranked #1688 on Forbes' 2025 Billionaires list, with a net worth of $2.1 billion. His source of wealth is primarily pulp and paper, diversified. Smushkin's career began in the early 1990s with barter trading and later focused on manufacturing within the pulp and paper industry. He is the founder and chairman of Ilim Group, the largest pulp and paper company in Russia. He also has interests in real estate development. Smushkin's achievements include leading Ilim Group's growth and forming a successful joint venture with International Paper. His expertise also encompasses construction and retail.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Zakhar Davidovich Smushkin was born on January 23, 1962, in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Russia. He graduated from the Leningrad State Technological Institute of the Pulp and Paper Industry in 1984, later pursuing postgraduate studies.

Rise to Success

In the early 1990s, Smushkin and his business partner Boris Zingarevich were involved in barter trading with Russian pulp and paper mills. In 1992, Smushkin founded Ilim Pulp Enterprise, which later became Ilim Group. Ilim Group formed a joint venture with International Paper in 2007. In 2023, International Paper sold its 50% interest in Ilim Group to Smushkin and his partners.

Key Business Strategies

Smushkin's key business strategy involved the establishment and growth of Ilim Group. The company became the largest pulp and paper producer in Russia and a significant player globally. Smushkin also invested in real estate development with projects like the 'Yuzhny' satellite city.

Philanthropy

Information on specific philanthropy amounts is not available in the search results.

Career Timeline

2023

Purchase of International Paper Stake

Purchased International Paper's 50% interest in Ilim Group.

2007

Joint Venture with International Paper

Ilim Group formed a joint venture with International Paper.

1992

Founded Ilim Pulp Enterprise

Founded the pulp and paper company Ilim Pulp Enterprise.

1990

Technical Department Head

Became the head of the technical department at Technoferm-Engineering.

1984

Graduation

Graduated from the Leningrad State Technological Institute of the Pulp and Paper Industry.