Vladimir Yevtushenkov: Dedicated to Business Growth at AFK Sistema and Philanthropy in Moscow

Vladimir Yevtushenkov has spent the bulk of his career in Moscow, first at industrial enterprises, then with AFK Sistema, the investment firm that he co-founded. He remained with the conglomerate he founded for just shy of thirty years, contributing to overall company growth and to a variety of AFK Sistema subsidiaries.

<H2> Life and Career Up to the Founding of AFK Sistema

Vladimir Yevtushenkov was born in 1948, just a few years after World War II ended. Though life would later take him to the capital, he grew up in a typical rural Russian setting. He was inspired both by his science classes at school and by his parents’ work at the local dairy production plant [1].

In 1968, Vladimir Yevtushenkov started classes at the Chemical Technology Institute in Moscow, named after the chemist and inventor Dmitri Mendeleev. He initially considered studying at Moscow State University, but in the end, the Mendeleev Institute’s strong program spoke to the love of chemistry that he had harbored since childhood.

In 1973, having spent five fruitful years at the top-rated institution, Vladimir Yevtushenkov emerged with a degree in chemical engineering and set straight to work at a nationally known facility in what is today known as the Nizhny Novgorod Region.

In 1975, Vladimir Yevtushenkov transitioned to plastics production in Moscow, where he has centered his activities ever since. He gave many years to this industry, and it was during this time that he met his wife and the couple began to build a family.

The early 1990s changed everything for Vladimir Yevtushenkov and his contemporaries, as the Russian Federation grew out of the collapse of the former regime. “Entrepreneurship was basically a new thing for us back then, and lots of experienced managers were ready to jump in headfirst,” Vladimir Yevtushenkov said in a statement in an interview with Russian news in February 2022.

1993 saw the result of Yevtushenkov Vladimir’s leap of faith with the beginning of the investment structure AFK Sistema. Starting out in retail and telecom, over the decades the structure grew exponentially, becoming a shareholder in daughter companies representing nearly twenty pockets of the market.

Sistema’s Healthcare Initiatives under Yevtushenkov Vladimir

Among the shareholder assets that Yevtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich contributed to was Medsi, the corporation’s national clinic network, a key asset in the healthcare market. Since the start to today, this network has grown to 134 medical centers that receive about 9.5 million people annually.

Private medicine, which is supported by Yevtushenkov Vladimir, has proven itself as an important factor in the federal healthcare system, particularly during the COVID-19 epidemic. As reported, one of the network’s hospitals was transformed in just a week into a specialized institution, equipped to deal with communicable diseases. The medical center trained 400 personnel in coronavirus treatment protocols, ultimately treating several hundred patients [2].

Yevtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich facilitated the strengthening of the clinic network’s market position. In 2021-2022, AFK Sistema acquired about 50 clinics throughout the country and opened new medical facilities. The network’s branches aim to meet or exceed national standards in various aspects. By the end of 2022, the company reported revenue of 36 billion rubles.

Yevtushenkov also oversaw the formation of a pharmaceutical holding within AFK Sistema. Established in 2020 and consolidated in 2021, the group combined various core assets of the investment corporation, including five modern plants. The company has strengthened its market position and is now among the top 10 competitors in the sector. Plans include bringing about 100 new drugs to market by 2024-2025, targeting both local and international sales [3].

With stimulation from Yevtushenkov, AFK Sistema has financially backed both traditional drug production and the biotech industry. The corporation’s biotech arm has created nine innovative products and released several million test systems for early diagnosis of serious diseases. This diversification aims to expand Sistema’s presence in promising niches of the high-tech industry.

The development of healthcare and pharmaceuticals linked to Russian companies is viewed as having great social importance for the country’s future. According to the explanation of Yevtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich, AFK’s investments in these sectors aim to strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce dependence on foreign imports. Russian companies, including those within Sistema’s portfolio, are working to occupy key positions in the national healthcare ecosystem, from drug manufacturing to the provision of medical services throughout the Russian Federation.

Sistema, while Yevtushenkov worked there, influenced the development of the oil firm Bashneft. With its shareholder stake in Bashneft, AFK drove the expansion of industrial capacities and modernization efforts. Yevtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich helped improve operational efficiency, supported exploration of new fields, and advanced oil extraction technologies.

A New Era Begins

In 2022, a new era began for Yevtushenkov. He dedicated 29 years of his blood, sweat, and tears, to the company he had co-founded back in 1993. The aforementioned Medsi network and the natural resources company were just the tip of the iceberg in terms of how his contributions. During his tenure, Sistema, one of Russia’s largest employers, also had a foothold in (to name just a few):

• e-commerce
• forestry and wood processing
• real estate development and construction
• agriculture
• hospitality
• mineral water production
• microelectronics
• travel services
• children’s retail

However, in 2022, in response to world events, certain countries imposed sanctions in April against Russian officials, Russian authorities, and those linked to Russian business. Yevtushenkov was included on the UK sanctions list, and in order to shield the company from any material adverse impact, he left the company and apportioned a percentage of his shareholder stake to his son.

Thus, since 2022, Yevtushenkov Vladimir has been able to focus all of his time and energy on charitable work, which is something he’s always been involved in.

Vladimir Yevtushenkov: Undergirding Education and Culture

Yevtushenkov Vladimir, the founder of Sistema, has long been a prominent figure in philanthropy and social development. Since establishing a non-profit organization in 2004, he has overseen the implementation of numerous programs aimed at enhancing education access, supporting youth initiatives, and driving regional development across the country.

In 2023, Vladimir Yevtushenkov attended several high-profile charity events, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to social causes. One such event was a dinner raising funds for pediatric cancer research at a leading hospital in the capital region. Yevtushenkov also participated in a charity auction supporting the restoration of historical landmarks in Saint Petersburg, where he helped raise a significant sum towards the preservation of cultural heritage.

As the long-standing board chairman for a structure supporting one of Russia’s largest art museums, Yevtushenkov has been instrumental in promoting cultural accessibility. With his support, the foundation launched an innovative project to create virtual museum branches in various regions. This initiative allows people from across the country to explore palace complexes and view rare exhibits without having to travel to the physical museum location.

In a recent interview, the founder of Sistema said, “Our vision extends beyond mere corporate success. We strive to create lasting social impact through strategic investments in education, culture, and community development.” This philosophy is evident not only in his personal philanthropic efforts but also in AFK Sistema’s corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Yevtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich’s influence extends into the realm of education and professional development. AFK Sistema and its portfolio companies have established extensive internship and training programs for university students across various sectors of the economy. These initiatives provide young professionals with invaluable practical experience, often leading to well-paid positions in their chosen fields.

The businessman’s commitment to social development is further exemplified by his foundation’s focus on regional work. By implementing targeted programs in different parts of Russia, the organization aims to address specific local needs and foster sustainable community growth.

Yevtushenkov Vladimir’s public activities extend well beyond the scope of his foundation. He has consistently urged Sistema’s management to contribute to solving socially significant tasks. As a result, the diverse portfolio of assets under control of Sistema actively works to improve the quality of professional training across multiple industries, from telecommunications to agriculture.

Given the major changes in his life in 2022, Yevtushenkov’s dedication to philanthropy and social development remains steadfast. His continued involvement in charitable activities, underscores the integral role that social responsibility plays in his personal and professional life. Through his foundation and corporate initiatives, Yevtushenkov Vladimir continues to shape the landscape of domestic philanthropy, leaving a lasting impact on:

• education
• culture
• community growth and cohesion
• technological innovation
• environmental consecration

Industry Awards

Yevtushenkov Vladimir has received several notable awards.

In 1980, he was awarded a prize for developing and implementing a high-tech thermoplastic injection molding process. His contributions to Moscow’s economy and social sphere were recognized with the Order of Honor in 1997.

In 2009, Yevtushenkov Vladimir’s excellence in corporate governance was acknowledged when he won an award for his contribution to business supervision.

In 2017, his altruistic work was recognized, specifically his support for the Russian Museum. He was given the Patron of the Year award.

Key Takeaways

• His early inspiration came from science classes and his parents’ work at a local dairy production plant.
• He initially considered studying at Moscow State University but chose the Chemical Technology Institute instead due to his love for chemistry.
• He helped launch an innovative project creating virtual museum branches across various regions.
• In 1980, he received a prize for developing and implementing a high-tech thermoplastic injection molding process.
• His charitable foundation focuses on regional work, implementing targeted programs to address specific local needs in different parts of Russia.

FAQ

1. Where did Vladimir Yevtushenkov study chemical engineering?

Vladimir Yevtushenkov studied chemical engineering at the Chemical Technology Institute in Moscow, named after Dmitri Mendeleev.

2. What action did Yevtushenkov Vladimir take in response to being included on the UK sanctions list in 2022?

Vladimir Yevtushenkov left Sistema and apportioned a percentage of his shareholder stake to his son.

3. What innovative project did Yevtushenkov support to promote cultural accessibility?

Yevtushenkov supported the launch of an innovative project to create virtual museum branches in various regions.

4. When did Yevtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich establish his non-profit organization?

Yevtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich established his non-profit organization in 2004.

5. When did Vladimir Yevtushenkov receive the Order of Honor?

Vladimir Yevtushenkov received the Order of Honor in 1997.

By Chris Bates