Ivan Savvidis & family

$1.68 B

Ranked #2407 in World

About Ivan Savvidis & family

Renowned Russian-Greek businessman and former politician Ivan Ignatyevich Savvidi, born to Pontic Greek immigrants in 1959, played a pivotal role in both industry and sports. As the ex-General Director of CJSC Donskoy Tabak, Russia's leading tobacco firm, and president of FC Rostov and PAOK Football Club, Savvidi's ventures span numerous sectors and territories. His political influence resonated from the State Duma to interparliamentary coordination with Greece. Despite controversies, including a high-profile sports ban, Savvidi's philanthropic efforts, notably assisting Ukrainian refugees, underline his multifaceted legacy.

Born

March 27, 1959 in Santa Gruzino, Tsalka District, Georgian SSR, USSR

Age

66 years

Source Of Wealth

Agribusiness

Industries

Diversified

Citizenship

Russia

Residence

Rostov-on-Don

Education

Master of Science, Rostov Institute of National Economy

Ivan Ignatyevich Savvidi, a prominent Russian-Greek oligarch and politician, was born on March 27, 1959, in Santa Gruzino, Georgia, to Pontic Greek immigrant parents. His early years were spent in Georgia, where he developed a strong connection to his Greek heritage.

Ivan Savvidis & family: Family

Ivan Savvidi is married to Kyriaki Savvidi, and together they have two sons, George (Giorgi) and Nick (Nikolai). His family has been a source of support throughout his life and has played a significant role in his success.

Ivan Savvidis & family: Career Highlights

Savvidi's career took off in the 1980s when he held various positions at the Don State Tobacco Factory. His leadership skills and business acumen were quickly recognized, leading to his appointment as General Director of CJSC Donskoy Tabak in 1993. Under his leadership, the company grew to become the largest Russian tobacco company.

In addition to his success in the tobacco industry, Savvidi ventured into the world of sports. He served as President of FC Rostov from July 2002 to July 2005, where he made significant contributions to the club's development. His passion for football led him to acquire ownership of the Greek football team PAOK in August 2012, where he cleared all of the club's debts to the Greek State, totaling €10,886,811.

Ivan Savvidis & family: Companies

Ivan Savvidi has been involved with several notable companies throughout his career. He is the former owner of Donskoy Tabak, which he sold to Japan Tobacco for €1.6 billion in 2018. He also acquired 82% of the Greek tobacco company SEKAP in 2013, further expanding his presence in the tobacco industry.

In the media sector, Savvidi owns 19% of Mega Channel and acquired Pegasus Publications, including Ethnos and Imerisia newspapers, through his Dimera Media company in 2017. He also purchased E Channel from Philipos Vryonis in August 2017, expanding his influence in the Greek media landscape.

Ivan Savvidis & family: Major Achievements

Savvidi's major achievements include building Donskoy Tabak into the largest Russian tobacco company and clearing PAOK's debts to the Greek State.

He has also made significant investments in real estate, including the Macedonia Palace in Thessaloniki and several historic villas. His business acumen and strategic investments have contributed to his success and prominence in various industries.

Ivan Savvidis & family: Awards & Achievements

Ivan Savvidi has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to business, sports, and philanthropy. These include the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" IV degree, the Order of Honour, the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" II degree, and the Order of Holy Prince Daniel of Moscow II degree, among others. He is also an Orthodox Knight of the Holy Sepulchre by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and has received the Medal "Patron of the Year" from 1999 to 2009.

Ivan Savvidis & family: Personal Life & Legacy

Savvidi is actively involved in community service and is the President of the Federation of Greek Communities of Russia. He has played a key role in promoting Greek culture and heritage in Russia and has been instrumental in establishing a newly created region by the World Council of Hellenes Abroad in the Black Sea countries. During the humanitarian crisis in 2022, he ordered the preparation of around 487 rooms at the Porto Carras resort in Chalkidiki to host Ukrainian refugees.

Ivan Savvidis & family: Trivia

Ivan Savvidi gained significant media attention in 2018 when he entered the pitch with bodyguards during a PAOK-AEK football match after a goal was ruled out for offside, carrying a handgun in a holster. This incident led to the suspension of the Greek Super League and a three-year ban from entering football stadiums by the Hellenic Football Federation (HFF).

Savvidi has also been accused by the Prime Minister of North Macedonia of providing funds to individuals and groups involved in riots against the Prespa agreement, which he has denied.

Wealth History

Timeline

March 27, 1959

Ivan Ignatyevich Savvidi is born in Santa Gruzino, Georgia, to Pontic Greek immigrant parents.

1980s and early 1990s

Savvidi holds various positions at the Don State Tobacco Factory.

1993

Savvidi is appointed General Director of CJSC Donskoy Tabak, now the largest Russian tobacco company.

July 2002 - July 2005

Savvidi serves as President of FC Rostov.

August 2012

Savvidi acquires ownership of the Greek football team PAOK.

2013

Savvidi is listed among the richest people in the world by Forbes.

2013

Savvidi purchases 82% of the Greek tobacco company SEKAP.

2015

Savvidi clears all of PAOK's debts to the Greek State, totaling €10,886,811.

2017

Savvidi owns 19% of Mega Channel and acquires Pegasus Publications, including Ethnos and Imerisia newspapers, through his Dimera Media company.

August 2017

Savvidi buys E Channel from Philipos Vryonis.

March 2018

Savvidi sells Donskoy Tabak and SEKAP to Japan Tobacco for €1.6 billion.

February 2013

Savvidi takes over the management of the Macedonia Palace in Thessaloniki.

N/A

Savvidi acquires several historic villas in Thessaloniki, including the Longos mansion and Villa Zardinidi.

N/A

Savvidi invests €500 million in Porto Carras.

1998 and 2003

Savvidi is elected to the Legislative Assembly of Rostov Oblast.

2003 - 2011

Savvidi serves as a Deputy in the State Duma.

N/A

Savvidi serves as Deputy Chairman of the Budget Committee and Taxes.

N/A

Savvidi serves as a Member of the Committee on International Affairs.

N/A

Savvidi serves as Coordinator of Interparliamentary Relations with the Hellenic Parliament.

N/A

Savvidi serves as Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Russia-Belarusian Union.

N/A

Savvidi makes positive comments about the Greek political party Syriza and compares Alexis Tsipras to Vladimir Putin.

N/A

Savvidi is accused by a section of the press of being involved with Kyriakos Velopoulos, president of the Greek Solution.

2018

Savvidi enters the pitch with bodyguards during a PAOK-AEK football match after a goal is ruled out for offside, carrying a handgun in a holster.

2018

Greek Super League is suspended, and Savvidis receives a three-year ban from entering football stadiums by the HFF.

N/A

Savvidi is accused by the Prime Minister of North Macedonia of providing funds to individuals and groups involved in riots against the Prespa agreement, which he denied.

N/A

Savvidi serves as President of the Federation of Greek Communities of Russia.

N/A

Savvidi is a key figure in pushing for the newly created region by the World Council of Hellenes Abroad in the Black Sea countries.

2022

Savvidi orders the preparation of around 487 rooms at the Porto Carras resort in Chalkidiki to host Ukrainian refugees during the humanitarian crisis.

N/A

Savvidi is married to Kyriaki Savvidi with two sons, George (Giorgi) and Nick (Nikolai).

2008

Savvidi receives the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" IV degree.

2003

Savvidi receives the Order of Honour.

1999

Savvidi receives the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" II degree.

2009

Savvidi receives the Order of Holy Prince Daniel of Moscow II degree.

2011

Savvidi receives the Order of Saint Seraphim of Sarov III degree.

N/A

Savvidi is named Orthodox Knight of the Holy Sepulchre by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

1999-2009

Savvidi receives the Medal "Patron of the Year".

Ivan Savvidis & family : FAQs

What is Ivan Savvidis's current net worth?

Ivan Savvidis's current net worth is $1.68 billion.

What is Ivan Savvidis's current global rank among billionaires?

Ivan Savvidis holds the 2407th position globally among billionaires.

What is Ivan Savvidis's current ranking within the Russia?

Ivan Savvidis holds the 84th position in Russia.

What was the change in Ivan Savvidis's net worth compared to the previous year?

Ivan Savvidis's net worth decreased by 38.63 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 1.72 billion dollars.

What are Ivan Savvidis's main sources of wealth?

Ivan Savvidis's main source of income comes from Agribusiness.

In which industry does Ivan Savvidis primarily operate?

Ivan Savvidis is primarily involved in the Diversified industry.

What is Ivan Savvidis educational background?

Ivan Savvidis holds a Master of Science from Rostov Institute of National Economy.

How old is Ivan Savvidis?

Ivan Savvidis is 66 years old.

How many children does Ivan Savvidis have?

Ivan Savvidis has 2 children.

Who is Ivan Ignatyevich Savvidi and what's his role in the tobacco industry?

Ivan Ignatyevich Savvidi is a Russian-Greek oligarch and politician, known for his role as the former General Director of CJSC Donskoy Tabak, Russia's largest tobacco company, and for his later sale of the company and SEKAP to Japan Tobacco for €1.6 billion.

What was the significance of Ivan Savvidi's tenure as President of FC Rostov and PAOK?

Ivan Savvidi's tenure as President of FC Rostov from 2002 to 2005 and his acquisition of the Greek football team PAOK in 2012 were marked by significant financial investments and developments, including clearing PAOK's substantial debts to the Greek State in 2015.

Can you outline Ivan Savvidi's political career and his international relations contributions?

Ivan Savvidi served in the Legislative Assembly of Rostov Oblast and as a Deputy in the State Duma, holding key positions like Deputy Chairman of the Budget Committee and Taxes and coordinating interparliamentary relations with the Hellenic Parliament, while also being actively involved in the Russia-Belarusian Union's parliamentary assembly.

What controversial incident involved Ivan Savvidi at a football match in 2018?

In 2018, Ivan Savvidi entered the pitch during a PAOK-AEK match with a holstered handgun after a controversial offside call, leading to a three-year stadium ban and the suspension of the Greek Super League. He was also later accused of funding riots against the Prespa agreement in North Macedonia, claims which he denied.

How does Ivan Savvidi contribute to community service and what awards has he received?

Ivan Savvidi serves as President of the Federation of Greek Communities of Russia and has been instrumental in efforts such as hosting Ukrainian refugees at Porto Carras resort. He has been honored with several awards including the Order 'For Merit to the Fatherland', Order of Honour, and named Orthodox Knight of the Holy Sepulchre by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.