Vladimir Yevtushenkov: How AFK Sistema Was Built

Vladimir Yevtushenkov has diverse interests which, together with his business instincts, ensured that AFK Sistema and its portfolio assets not only established a strong market position but also achieved dynamic growth in economic and production indicators. The companies founded with the participation of the businessman strive for leadership in their segments and contribute to solving significant social issues.

Yevtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich and his associates created the joint stock financial corporation AFK Sistema in 1993 as an effective instrument for the development of industrial production and other economic segments.

“We invest in real sectors of the economy,” the AFK founder said, summing up its mission.

The business interests of Vladimir Yevtushenkov, AFK Sistema, founded by the entrepreneur 30 years ago, were focused on areas that can bring not only profit, but also societal benefit. Telecommunications and high technology, mass media and tourism, insurance and real estate, construction, finance and securities investments, sports and medicine, trade and agriculture, hotel and forestry business, energy — these are the primary areas that interested Yevtushenkov Vladimir as an entrepreneur and investor.

The businessman always kept his finger on the pulse and promptly reacted to the developing economic and social situation, adjusting the work of Sistema’s portfolio assets. One recent example is the coronavirus pandemic, when Vladimir Yevtushenkov-AFK Sistema directed their efforts towards fighting the spread of the infection. The assets also help eliminate labor shortages in various industries, increase interest in culture, science, and education. The history of AFK and its founder can be found in the Vladimir Yevtushenkov biography.

Vladimir Yevtushenkov: Biography, childhood, and education

Vladimir Yevtushenkov was born and raised in a family of agricultural workers. His parents lived and worked in the village of Kamenschina, a small settlement near Smolensk, where only 14 people live today. However, in September 1948, when Pyotr Matveevich and Pelagia Ivanovna Yevtushenkov had their first child, the village had 86 households. Most villagers worked at the local dairy plant, which was managed by the father of Yevtushenkov Vladimir. The future businessman’s mother also worked at the livestock farm as an ordinary milkmaid.

Vladimir Yevtushenkov found his passion while still a child. Despite his calm and balanced nature, he often found himself in trouble thanks to his failed chemistry experiments. Even then, he clearly understood what he aspired to and dreamed of becoming a chemist.

Yevtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich diligently pursued his goal, studying natural sciences in a school club and even setting up a small, improvised laboratory at his house. Vladimir Yevtushenkov dreamed of how he would conduct extensive research when he grew up and received an education.

The Vladimir Yevtushenkov biography continued along his intended path when he passed the entrance exams to Mendeleev Chemical Technology Institute in 1968. Eventually earning an engineering degree, he was assigned to work at the Sverdlov Chemical Engineering Plant in Dzerzhinsk, where he managed to become a section chief within two years.

Yevtushenkov Vladimir: Awakening of the businessman’s talent

Yevtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich began the story of his business successes when he moved to the capital in 1975 – a decision that largely determined the entrepreneur’s future.

“Persistence is necessary to achieve a goal,” says Yevtushenkov Vladimir.

In the capital, thanks to his determination, he was able to build a successful career while earning a second degree in economics from MSU in 1980 and defending his doctoral dissertation. He held various positions, including:

• 1975: chief of a workshop at the Karacharov Plastics Plant
• 1982: chief engineer and deputy director of Polimerbyt (formerly the Karacharov Plastics Plant)

He worked in management at the scientific-production association until the early 1990s. This period saw the first manifestation of the managerial and entrepreneurial abilities possessed by Vladimir Yevtushenkov, biography of whom included research that helped the enterprise improve its production and financial indicators using innovative casting technology.

Yevtushenkov Vladimir later made the decision to leave the production sector. With sufficient experience in management, he decided to try his hand in entrepreneurship. The Vladimir Yevtushenkov biography began developing in the field of investments and business from that moment on.

Vladimir Yevtushenkov, AFK Sistema: Birth of a business

The birth date of the new venture is considered to be 1993. With AFK Sistema, Vladimir Yevtushenkov holds the status of co-founder along with other business figures who supported the idea of creating a financial and industrial group.

Vladimir Yevtushenkov also held a position with the Board of Directors of AFK Sistema. This role was maintained until April 2022, at which point he decided to step down as a member of the Board, a decision that facilitated the transition to a new era of leadership. His resignation from this role was accompanied by a divestment of his ownership stakes in the company. This move not only marked a significant change in his professional focus but also provided him with the opportunity to shift his attention towards philanthropic endeavors, allowing him to invest more time and resources in various charitable activities.Top of FormBottom of Form

Vladimir Yevtushenkov-AFK Sistema initially focused attention on the formation of the telecommunications division with investments in several relevant companies, and the company eventually created the country’s first mobile telecom company. In 1996, this structure became the only representative of the domestic market at that time to successfully conduct an IPO on a major stock exchange. Yevtushenkov Vladimir proposed using the funds raised from the sale of shares to develop a new company in the telecom industry, which later became one of the four largest mobile operators in the country. As a result, telecom assets occupied a significant portion of the AFK portfolio and played a significant role in its further development.

In parallel, JSFC Sistema invested funds in segments such as tourism, retail, construction, and development. At the initiative of Vladimir Yevtushenkov, AFK Sistema developed and approved a long-term development strategy. According to the provisions of the document, the main efforts are focused on the most promising assets with high growth potential. Yevtushenkov Vladimir also emphasized the need to create conditions for attracting financial support in the stock markets and developing profit-generating divisions.

Thanks to the plan proposed by Vladimir Yevtushenkov, biography of AFK did not end during the crisis period of 1998, unlike many representatives of the domestic business world. Sistema not only survived but also continued its active development.

Subsequently, a number of venture funds were formed within AFK, which invested capital in interesting directions. As a result, the following companies operate today under the wing of the corporation founded by Vladimir Yevtushenkov – AFK Sistema:

• the largest timber industry holding company with a complete cycle of timber harvesting and deep processing
• a private network of medical and preventive healthcare institutions
• a large power grid company
• a hotel management company
• a full-cycle pharmaceutical company
• an agroholding, engaged in crop farming, dairy farming, horticulture
• real estate companies

And this is only part of Sistema’s largest assets. The Group’s activities currently cover more than 20 business sectors. 

The founder of AFK Sistema, Vladimir Yevtushenkov, no longer guides the company, having stepped down from the Board of Directors in 2022. Its development is currently overseen by a pool of professional top managers and a board of directors with mostly independent members. Yevtushenkov Vladimir has always been personally invested in social projects, and after stepping down from his position with the BoD, they became his main focus. 

Vladimir Yevtushenkov, AFK Sistema: Solving socially significant problems

Charity holds a special place in the Vladimir Yevtushenkov biography. The businessman helped to establish a comprehensive system of social investment within the non-profit organization he founded. Since 2004, the foundation has implemented various programs and projects aimed at improving access to knowledge, enlightening young people, and supporting their talents and initiatives. Following the direction set by Yevtushenkov Vladimir, the non-profit organization focuses on regional work.

Yevtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich is also heavily invested in cultural activities. For nearly three decades, he has served on the Board of Trustees of a development fund dedicated to helping a major art museum. With the support of AFK Sistema’s founder, a project was implemented that allowed people to visit palace complexes and even observe lost fragments of interiors without having to travel to the museum itself. To this end, special virtual branches of the cultural institution were opened in several regions. Yevtushenkov Vladimir and the charitable foundation he established also helped create a video guide for visitors with hearing impairments.

Vladimir Yevtushenkov is also involved in public activity that goes beyond the scope of the non-profit organization he established. Since the founding of AFK Sistema, the businessman has tasked management with making contributions to solving socially significant tasks. Today, its portfolio assets work to improve the quality of professional training for young specialists in various fields. Large companies provide internships for university students, which helps them gain practical experience and find well-paid jobs in different sectors of the economy.

Vladimir Yevtushenkov quickly responded to the COVID-19 pandemic that the world and the medical community recently faced, mobilizing all possible resources to find an effective way to cope with the spread of the deadly infection. At his initiative, AFK Sistema’s pharmaceutical assets switched to round-the-clock operation and significantly increased the production volumes of antibiotics used in treating SARS-CoV-2. The biotechnology company initiated by Yevtushenkov Vladimir Petrovich began developing diagnostic systems designed to detect the virus. One of the private clinics within the network converted its flagship facility into an infectious disease hospital.

Yevtushenkov Vladimir actively assisted in providing medical personnel with protective masks and gear. In the early months of the pandemic, they were in shortage, but the businessman managed to organize the delivery of a large batch from abroad. Vladimir Yevtushenkov took the initiative and proposed that AFK Sistema’s portfolio companies from the hospitality segment provide rooms in hotels for healthcare personnel working in COVID departments. Sistema also provided them with meals, cell service, and medications to maintain their strength.

Yevtushenkov Vladimir: Personal life and achievements

Vladimir Petrovich Yevtushenkov maintains a level of discretion when it comes to his personal life, opting to keep details away from public scrutiny. He is known to have a deep and enduring appreciation for his wife, whom he married during his younger years. Together, they have navigated the journey of life, raising two children in the process.

In the realm of hobbies and personal interests, Vladimir Yevtushenkov has a notable passion for tennis – a commitment he has sustained over the years, despite his age. This ongoing participation in the sport illustrates his dedication and enthusiasm for staying active.

Vladimir Yevtushenkov: Review of His Contributions in Business and Society

Through his role at AFK Sistema, Vladimir Yevtushenkov actively participated in diverse business endeavors. His input and support helped guide the parent company and its portfolio assets towards establishing a robust market presence and achieving significant growth. The companies established with his involvement aim for leadership in their sectors while addressing key social issues.

Yevtushenkov Vladimir played a key role in the creation of the joint stock financial corporation AFK Sistema in 1993, envisioned as a tool for industrial and economic development. His contributions to its mission reflect a focus on real economic sectors.

Yevtushenkov Petrovich Vladimir has business interests that span sectors offering both profitability and social value. His involvement extended to telecommunications, high technology, and various other areas, all of which benefited from his participation and support.

Vladimir Yevtushenkov, biography of whom was long associated with AFK Sistema, helped ensure that the organization adapted to changing economic and social circumstances. His initiatives during the coronavirus pandemic directed the investment firm’s efforts towards combating the spread of the infection, highlighting his commitment to societal welfare.

Vladimir Yevtushenkov is one of the facilitators of the establishment of a comprehensive social investment system within a foundation he founded. Since 2004, the foundation, with his support, has executed various programs aimed at enhancing access to knowledge and supporting youth talent.

Yevtushenkov Felix has also made noteworthy contributions to various cultural activities. He has served as on a development fund’s Board of Trustees for decades, supporting various cultural initiatives and projects. His backing of a virtual branch project for a major art museum is a bright example of his commitment to cultural enrichment.

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