- Full Name: Vagit Alekperov
- Date of Birth: September 1, 1950
- Age: 73 years old (as of September 1, 2023)
- Source of Wealth: Oil (Self Made)
- Residence: Moscow, Russia
- Citizenship: Russia
- Marital Status: Married
- Children: 1
- Education: Master of Science in Engineering (Azerbaijan Institute of Oil and Chemistry)
Vagit Alekperov is a prominent Russian billionaire known for his career in the oil industry and his role in founding Lukoil, which has become Russia’s largest independent oil company. Born on September 1, 1950, Alekperov has a remarkable journey from being a former Caspian Sea oil rig worker to becoming a key figure in the Russian energy sector.
Alekperov’s early career saw him working on oil rigs in the Caspian Sea. His expertise and experience eventually led him to a position as a deputy minister overseeing the oil industry in the Soviet Union.
In 1991, Vagit Alekperov seized the opportunity to take control of three large ministry-controlled oil fields and founded Lukoil. Under his leadership, Lukoil grew to become a major player in the Russian and global energy markets. Alekperov has maintained a significant ownership stake in the company, owning about 30% of Lukoil.
However, Lukoil faced challenges, including being hit by U.S. sanctions in September 2014, which had implications for the company’s operations and financial performance.
In April 2022, Alekperov stepped down as the president of Lukoil, a few days after being sanctioned by the United Kingdom. His decision to resign came amidst increased international sanctions and scrutiny on Russian individuals and entities.
Beyond his oil ventures, Vagit Alekperov is known for his ownership of Dutch shipyard Heesen Yachts, where his 230-foot yacht, Galactica Super Nova, was built. In 2022, he transferred his ownership in the shipyard to a Dutch foundation.
As of September 1, 2023, Vagit Alekperov is ranked as the 78th richest person in the world, with a reported net worth of $20.5 billion, according to Forbes. His contributions to the oil industry and the growth of Lukoil have made him a significant figure in the energy sector and the global billionaire community.
