Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler

$1.56 B

Ranked #2496 in World

About Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler

Evgeny Shvidler, a Soviet-born billionaire who holds British and American citizenship, amassed a $1.9 billion fortune post-Soviet Union privatization. Born in Ufa, Russia, to a geologist father, Shvidler pursued an MBA from Fordham University and built a noteworthy career, partnering with Roman Abramovich in lucrative oil ventures. His diverse interests span from Chelsea FC to French vineyards, while philanthropy and legal battles against UK sanctions following the Ukraine crisis define his recent years.

Born

March 23, 1964 in Ufa, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union (now Russia)

Age

62 years

Source Of Wealth

Metals, Investments

Industries

Metals & Mining

Citizenship

United States

Residence

London

Education

Master of Business Administration, Fordham University; Master of Science, Gubkin Institute of Petrochemicals and Natural Gas

Spouse

Zara Shvidler (now divorced)

Children

Evgeny Shvidler was born on 23 March 1964 in Ufa, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union (now Russia). He was born into a Jewish family, and his father, Mark Iosifovich Shvidler, was a Soviet geologist. In 1989, Shvidler moved to the United States and studied at Fordham University in New York, where he received an MBA in 1992. After completing his studies, he worked for Deloitte & Touche in New York and became a US citizen in 1994.

Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler: Family

Evgeny Shvidler is married to Zara Shvidler, and they have five children together. He purchased the Château Thénac vineyard in France in 2000, where he produces fine wines and spirits. Shvidler also owns properties in London, Surrey, and Snowmass Village, Colorado. He is known for owning one of the largest yachts in the world, the Le Grand Bleu, which was gifted to him by his close friend Roman Abramovich.

Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler: Career Highlights

After the fall of the Soviet Union and the rise of capitalism in Russia, Shvidler returned to Russia in the mid-1990s. He received a degree in mathematics from the Gubkin Institute of Petrochemicals and Natural Gas. During this time, he teamed up with his close friend Roman Abramovich to start the oil trading outfit Runicom S.A. In 1995, they partnered to gain control of the oil giant Sibneft for $250 million. Shvidler served as senior Vice President and company president of Sibneft from 1998 until 2005. Under his leadership, Sibneft became Russia's fastest-growing oil company in terms of production and the most profitable in terms of earnings per barrel.

In 2003, Shvidler moved to the UK when Abramovich purchased Chelsea FC. He briefly became a director at the club and obtained UK citizenship in 2004. In 2006, he purchased shares to become a 5% shareholder in Abramovich's steel company Evraz.

Shvidler was also a member of MC Peat & Co., an Abramovich company set up in 2011 with Michael Peat, Principal Private Secretary to King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Until March 2022, he served as chairman of Millhouse LLC, Abramovich's Moscow-based investment company.

Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler: Companies

Evgeny Shvidler has been involved with several notable companies throughout his career. He co-founded the oil trading outfit Runicom S.A. with Roman Abramovich and played a key role in the acquisition of the oil giant Sibneft. Shvidler served as senior Vice President and company president of Sibneft from 1998 to 2005. He also became a 5% shareholder in Abramovich's steel company Evraz and was a member of MC Peat & Co., an Abramovich company set up in 2011. Additionally, Shvidler served as chairman of Millhouse LLC, Abramovich's Moscow-based investment company, until March 2022.

Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler: Major Achievements

Evgeny Shvidler's major achievements include his successful business ventures and his contributions to philanthropy. He played a pivotal role in the privatization of Russian industry following the fall of the Soviet Union, amassing a significant fortune in the process. Shvidler is known for his association with Roman Abramovich, and he has held various leadership positions in Abramovich's companies, including serving as senior Vice President and company president of Sibneft. Additionally, Shvidler is recognized for his philanthropic efforts, such as donating £10 million to educational initiatives in the UK and establishing the Center for Jewish Studies and the Shvidler Chair of Judaic Studies at Fordham University.

Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler: Awards & Achievements

Evgeny Shvidler has received recognition for his business acumen and philanthropic contributions. He was awarded the Order of Friendship by the Russian government in 2004 for his contributions to the development of the Russian economy. Shvidler was also honored by the Jewish National Fund in 2016 for his support of Jewish causes.

Additionally, he has been recognized by various publications, including being named one of the "50 Most Influential Jews in the World" by The Jerusalem Post in 2019.

Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler: Personal Life & Legacy

Evgeny Shvidler is known for his close friendship with Roman Abramovich, and he is often referred to as Abramovich's "right-hand man." He is described as a private individual who values his family and enjoys spending time with them. Shvidler is passionate about winemaking and owns the Château Thénac vineyard in France. He also has a keen interest in art and collecting antiques. Shvidler's legacy lies in his successful business career, his philanthropic contributions, and his enduring friendship with Roman Abramovich.

Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler: Trivia

Evgeny Shvidler does not consider himself an oligarch and dislikes communism. He is known for his philanthropic efforts and has made significant contributions to educational initiatives and Jewish causes. Shvidler owns one of the largest yachts in the world, the Le Grand Bleu, which was gifted to him by Roman Abramovich. In March 2022, he was sanctioned by the UK Government in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, leading to the freezing of his assets and transport sanctions.

Wealth History

Timeline

23 March 1964

Evgeny Shvidler is born in Ufa, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union (now Russia).

1989

Moves to the USA and studies at Fordham University in New York, receiving an MBA in 1992.

1994

Becomes a US citizen.

Mid-90s

Returns to Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union and the rise of capitalism.

1995

Partners with Roman Abramovich to gain control of oil giant Sibneft for $250 million.

1998-2005

Serves as senior Vice President and company president of Sibneft.

2003

Moves to the UK when Abramovich purchases Chelsea FC and briefly becomes a director at the club.

2004

Obtains UK citizenship.

2006

Purchased shares to become a 5% shareholder in Abramovich's steel company Evraz.

2011

Was a member of MC Peat & Co., an Abramovich company set up with Michael Peat, Principal Private Secretary to King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Until March 2022

Served as chairman of Millhouse LLC, Abramovich's Moscow-based investment company.

March 2022

Sanctioned by the UK Government in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

August 2023

High Court rejects his challenge to the sanctions, stating that sanctions do not threaten his life or liberty.

January 2024

Appealed the High Court rejection, and his appeal was heard at the Court of Appeal.

Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler : FAQs

What is Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler's current net worth?

Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler's current net worth is $1.56 billion.

What is Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler's current global rank among billionaires?

Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler holds the 2496th position globally among billionaires.

What is Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler's current ranking within the United States?

Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler holds the 777th position in United States.

What was the change in Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler's net worth compared to the previous year?

Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler's net worth decreased by 14.25 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 1.58 billion dollars.

What are Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler's main sources of wealth?

Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler's main source of income comes from Metals, Investments.

In which industry does Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler primarily operate?

Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler is primarily involved in the Metals & Mining industry.

What is Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler educational background?

Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler holds a Master of Business Administration from Fordham University and a Master of Science from Gubkin Institute of Petrochemicals and Natural Gas.

How old is Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler?

Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler is 62 years old.

How many children does Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler have?

Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler has 5 children.

What role did Evgeny Shvidler play in Sibneft and when did he serve?

Evgeny Shvidler served as senior Vice President and company president of Sibneft from 1998 until 2005, during which Sibneft was Russia's fastest growing oil company in terms of production and most profitable in terms of earnings per barrel.

What vineyard does Evgeny Shvidler own and what does it produce?

Evgeny Shvidler owns the Château Thénac vineyard in France, which produces fine wines and spirits.

How has Evgeny Shvidler contributed to educational philanthropy?

Evgeny Shvidler is a known philanthropist who donated £10 million to educational initiatives in the UK and established the Center for Jewish Studies and the Shvidler Chair of Judaic Studies at Fordham University.

What was the outcome of Evgeny Shvidler's sanctions challenge in August 2023?

Evgeny Shvidler's challenge to the sanctions imposed by the UK Government was rejected by the High Court in August 2023, confirming that the sanctions do not threaten his life or liberty.