Potanin Tops Latest Forbes Rating of Russia’s Most Successful Billionaires

Russia’s edition of Forbes has published a rating of the most successful Russian billionaires in 2019, with the biggest shareholder in metals giant Norilsk Nickel, Vladimir Potanin, at the top.

Potanin increased his wealth by more than a third during the year. 

“Over the year, the owner of a 34% stake in Norilsk Nickel increased his wealth by almost $8 billion,” the newspaper writes, reminding that as of December 24, the billionaire’s net worth was estimated at $23.8 billion.

The second place in the rating was taken by the head of gas company Novatek, Leonid Mikhelson: his personal fortune was estimated at $27 billion (an increase of $5.9 billion over the year).

The president of Lukoil, Vagit Alekperov, closes the top three: he earned $5.3 billion over the year, increasing his fortune to $23.8 billion.

In fourth place was Gennady Timchenko, a major shareholder in Novatek and Sibur. In 2019, his fortune was enlarged by $4.1 billion and amounted to $22.7 billion.

The top 5 is closed by the main shareholder and chairman of Severstal, Alexei Mordashov, – this year he earned $3.8 billion, increasing his wealth to $20.2 billion.

In total, the five most successful participants in the Forbes Russia rating increased their fortunes by $27 billion during 2019.