The Untold Story of Suleyman Kerimov: From Business Tycoon to Philanthropist
Introduction
Suleyman Kerimov, the Russian businessman and politician, is a name fewer people are familiar with outside Russia. However, he is a well-known figure in Russia who has made significant contributions to not only the business industry but also the society through his philanthropic works. Born in 1966 in Dagestan, a republic of Russia, Kerimov’s success story has been a long and eventful journey, full of ups and downs. In this blog post, we will tell the untold story of Suleyman Kerimov, from his rags-to-riches story to becoming a philanthropist.
Section 1: Kerimov’s Childhood
Kerimov was born to a family of coal miners. He was the seventh child in a family of eight siblings. Growing up, his family struggled to make ends meet, and young Suleyman faced numerous hurdles due to the lack of facilities and basic resources in his village. Despite the challenges, he excelled in his academics and graduated with distinction from Dagestan State University. This was only the beginning of Kerimov’s journey to success.
Section 2: Kerimov’s First Brush with Business
Kerimov’s first success was trading commodities such as aluminum and coal. In 1993, he established his first company, Nafta Moscow, which is one of the largest independent oil companies in Russia today. He later expanded his portfolio to other sectors such as telecommunications, banking, and real estate, making him one of the most prominent business tycoons in Russia. Kerimov’s business smarts and hard work soon saw him being ranked as the 21st richest man globally in 2008.
Section 3: Kerimov’s Involvement in Politics
In addition to his business accomplishments, Kerimov also ventured into politics. He became a senator of Dagestan in 2006 and played a significant role in enhancing the republic’s economy. He was also appointed to the Federation Council of Russia in 2008 and served in that capacity until 2019, when he chose to resign from public office.
Section 4: Kerimov’s Philanthropic Works
Despite his wealth, Kerimov has remained committed to giving back to society through his philanthropic works. He established the Suleyman Kerimov Foundation, which has donated millions of dollars to various charitable causes. The foundation funds projects in healthcare, education, arts and culture, and sports. It has also provided significant aid in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Section 5: Kerimov’s Passion for Sports
One of Kerimov’s passions is sports. He is the owner of Anzhi Makhachkala, a football club based in his hometown, which he brought back from the brink of bankruptcy. He invested heavily in the team to transform it into a competitive football club that has competed in the top tier of Russian football.
Section 6: Kerimov’s Success and Controversies
Kerimov’s success and wealth have faced various controversies, such as allegations of tax evasion and insider trading, among others. In 2018, he was arrested in France over allegations of money laundering. However, the charges were later dropped, and he was released without prosecution.
Section 7: Looking Ahead
Today, Suleyman Kerimov’s net worth is estimated to be around $15 billion, making him one of the wealthiest people in Russia. However, despite his success, Kerimov has chosen to stay grounded and committed to his philanthropic works. He has also announced plans to invest in various sectors, such as agriculture and technology, to help create employment opportunities and contribute to the economy.
FAQs
Q1: What is Suleyman Kerimov’s net worth?
A1: Suleyman Kerimov’s net worth is estimated to be around $15 billion.
Q2: What is the Suleyman Kerimov Foundation, and what does it do?
A2: The Suleyman Kerimov Foundation is a charitable organization that funds projects in healthcare, education, arts and culture, and sports.
Q3: What is Anzhi Makhachkala?
A3: Anzhi Makhachkala is a football club based in Suleyman Kerimov’s hometown that he owns.
Q4: What is Kerimov’s biggest business accomplishment?
A4: Kerimov’s biggest business accomplishment is Nafta Moscow, which is one of the largest independent oil companies in Russia.
Q5: What are some of the sectors Kerimov invests in?
A5: Kerimov invests in various sectors such as agriculture and technology.
Q6: What allegations has Kerimov faced?
A6: Kerimov has faced allegations of tax evasion, insider trading, and money laundering, among others.
Q7: What motivated Kerimov to become a philanthropist?
A7: Despite his success, Kerimov has remained committed to giving back to society as he believes in the importance of supporting those in need.
Conclusion
Suleyman Kerimov’s life story is inspiring, with numerous lessons on hard work, perseverance, and giving back to society. From humble beginnings to becoming a prominent business tycoon and philanthropist, Kerimov’s story is a testament to the transformative power of determination and focus. As we look to the future, it is clear that Kerimov’s vision and commitment to making a positive impact will continue to shape the world in remarkable ways.