Alexander Rovt

$1.30 B

Ranked #1613 in World

About Alexander Rovt

Alexander Rovt, originally Sándor Róth from Mukachevo, Ukraine, has made a significant mark in the fertilizer industry, dominating 85-90% of the market in Russia and Ukraine by 2000. Rovt, who escaped to the US in 1985 due to persecution for his capitalistic approach in Hungary, later acquired key fertilizer plants across Eastern Europe and built a vast real estate empire in New York City, currently owning about 280 buildings. His strategic investments, despite facing challenges such as the hostile takeover of a Bulgarian plant, showcase his resilience and acumen. Rovt also contributes to public service and education in New York City, further cementing his legacy as a prominent Ukrainian-American businessman.

Born

July 23, 1952 in Soviet Union

Age

73 years

Source Of Wealth

Fertilizer, Real Estate

Industries

Manufacturing

Citizenship

United States

Residence

New York, New York

Education

Doctorate, Lvov Institute of Trade & Economics

Spouse

Olga Rovt

Children

Philip, Maxwell

Alexander Rovt, born as Sándor Róth on July 23, 1952, in Mukachevo, Carpathia (now part of Ukraine), grew up in a Jewish family. His father was a factory manager, while his mother was a housewife. Rovt spent his early years in Hungary and later attended the Lviv Academy of Commerce in Ukraine, where he earned a business degree and subsequently a PhD in international economics.

Alexander Rovt: Family

Rovt comes from a Jewish background. His father held a position as a factory manager, while his mother was a homemaker. Rovt is married to Olga and they have two children together: Philip (born 1978) and Maxwell (born 1987). The family resides in a five-story, 12,000-square-foot building with reinforced concrete, brick facing, and retractable bulletproof shades on Manhattan's Upper East Side.

Alexander Rovt: Career Highlights

Rovt's career took a significant turn when he joined IBE Trade in 1988, a company founded by Sheldon Silverston. IBE profited by engaging in trade with governments that lacked international favor, accepting hard commodities like steel and coffee instead of cash. Rovt's connections in the Eastern bloc and his expertise in fertilizers played a crucial role in IBE's expansion into the Soviet Union, where they traded goods for fertilizers.

Following the Perestroika reforms, Rovt and his childhood friend Imre Pákh acquired IBE from Silverston and transformed it into a traditional fertilizer distributor. Their success was remarkable, as they managed to control 85-90% of the fertilizer trade in Russia and Ukraine by the year 2000.

Alexander Rovt: Companies

Rovt's business ventures include IBE Trade, a company that initially engaged in trade with governments lacking international favor and later transitioned into a traditional fertilizer distributor. He also ventured into the fertilizer industry by purchasing and renovating a deteriorating fertilizer plant in Bulgaria. Additionally, Rovt partnered with Igor Olshansky and Yara International for a plant in Rossosh, Russia, and acquired a plant in Severodonetsk, Ukraine.

Alexander Rovt: Major Achievements

Rovt's major achievements include his successful transformation of IBE Trade from a company involved in unconventional trade to a traditional fertilizer distributor.

He also played a significant role in controlling a substantial portion of the fertilizer trade in Russia and Ukraine. Furthermore, Rovt's investments in fertilizer plants in Bulgaria, Russia, and Ukraine demonstrate his entrepreneurial acumen and business success.

Alexander Rovt: Awards & Achievements

Rovt's contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards. In 2016, he was honored with the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 5th Class, and in 2019, he received the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 4th Class.

Alexander Rovt: Personal Life & Legacy

Rovt's personal life revolves around his family, residing in a luxurious building on Manhattan's Upper East Side with his wife Olga and their two children. He has made significant contributions to public service, serving as Vice Chairman of the NYC Board of Corrections and trustee of John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Rovt also serves as Chairman of the board of Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center. His philanthropic efforts include donating to the campaigns of Andrew Cuomo and Anthony Weiner, as well as endowing a school for Orthodox immigrants, the Zvi Dov Roth Academy in Brooklyn, named after his grandfather who perished in the Holocaust.

Alexander Rovt: Trivia

Rovt's business acumen and success have earned him the nickname "The Fertilizer King." He is known for his strategic investments and ability to navigate complex business environments.

Wealth History

Timeline

July 23, 1952

Alexander Rovt (born as Sándor Róth) is born in Mukachevo, Carpathia (now part of Ukraine).

1985

Rovt flees to the United States with his wife, settling in Brooklyn and working in his uncle's kosher deli and cousin's jewelry store.

1988

Rovt joins IBE Trade, founded by Sheldon Silverston.

1999

Rovt purchases a deteriorating fertilizer plant in Bulgaria, committing to $100 million in renovations over five years.

2000

Rovt and Imre Pákh control 85-90% of the fertilizer trade in Russia and Ukraine.

2007

Rovt secures his wealth by purchasing the Bankers Trust Building and selling overseas fertilizer assets to Ukrainian billionaire Dmitry Firtash.

2016

Rovt receives the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 5th Class.

2019

Rovt receives the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 4th Class.

Alexander Rovt : FAQs

What is Alexander Rovt's net worth?

As of 2020, Alexander Rovt's net worth was $1.30 billion.

What are Alexander Rovt's main sources of wealth?

Alexander Rovt's main source of income comes from Fertilizer, Real Estate.

In which industry does Alexander Rovt primarily operate?

Alexander Rovt is primarily involved in the Manufacturing industry.

What is Alexander Rovt educational background?

Alexander Rovt holds a Doctorate from Lvov Institute of Trade & Economics.

How old is Alexander Rovt?

Alexander Rovt is 73 years old.

How many children does Alexander Rovt have?

Alexander Rovt has 2 children.

Who is Alexander Rovt and what's his background?

Alexander Rovt, originally born as Sándor Róth on July 23, 1952, in Mukachevo, Carpathia (now part of Ukraine), comes from a Jewish family. He grew up in Hungary and acquired his education in Ukraine, obtaining a business degree and a PhD in international economics from the Lviv Academy of Commerce. Before moving to the United States in 1985, he faced arrest in Hungary for his capitalistic tendencies and worked in various roles including managing a state-owned vegetable distributor.

How did Alexander Rovt become successful in the fertilizer industry?

Alexander Rovt's success in the fertilizer industry began when he joined IBE Trade in 1988, leveraging his connections in the Eastern bloc and knowledge of fertilizer to expand the company's operations into the Soviet Union. After the fall of the Soviet Union, Rovt and a childhood friend bought IBE Trade and transitioned it into a traditional fertilizer distributor, eventually controlling 85-90% of the fertilizer trade in Russia and Ukraine by 2000.

What were some key investments made by Alexander Rovt in the 2000s?

In the 2000s, Alexander Rovt invested in several crucial ventures including purchasing a deteriorating fertilizer plant in Bulgaria and committing to significant renovations. Although he faced setbacks, such as losing control of the Bulgarian plant to local partners, he continued to expand his portfolio by acquiring more plants, partnering with notable figures and companies, and eventually securing his wealth by transitioning into real estate, acquiring 280 buildings mainly in New York City.

How has Alexander Rovt contributed to public service and charitable causes?

Alexander Rovt has significantly contributed to public service and philanthropy. He has served as Vice Chairman of the NYC Board of Corrections, a trustee of John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and chairman of the Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center. Additionally, he has supported various political campaigns and endowed a school for Orthodox immigrants, demonstrating a strong commitment to giving back to the community.

What honors and distinctions has Alexander Rovt received for his contributions?

For his contributions, Alexander Rovt has been honored with prestigious awards, including the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 5th Class in 2016, and the 4th Class in 2019. These awards reflect his significant contributions and achievements both within and beyond his professional endeavors.