Lev Leviev

$1.00 B

Ranked #2124 in World

About Lev Leviev

Israeli businessman and philanthropist, Lev Leviev, boasts a noteworthy trajectory from his roots in Samarkand, Uzbek SSR, born on July 30, 1956, to becoming a billion-dollar diamond magnate and investor, as reported by Forbes in 2018. As the former chairman and a significant shareholder of Africa-Israel Investments until 2018, Leviev has made substantial marks in the diamond industry and real estate, alongside significant philanthropic efforts towards Jewish causes globally. His early life transition from Samarkand to Israel in 1971 and subsequent entry and rise in the diamond trade, establishing a polishing plant in 1977, paved the way for his business empire, which extends across Russia and Africa. Leviev's strategic real estate dealings, including a notable $295 million transaction with Jared Kushner in 2015, and his philanthropic endeavors, particularly for Chabad Lubavitch causes and Jewish education through the Ohr Avner Foundation, underscore his multifaceted impact. Despite facing controversies related to settlement constructions in the West Bank and his son’s arrest for alleged diamond smuggling in 2018, Leviev's global influence in business and charity remains significant.

Born

January 01, 1956 in Samarkand, Uzbek SSR, Soviet Union

Age

70 years

Source Of Wealth

Diamonds

Industries

Metals & Mining

Citizenship

Israel

Residence

London

Spouse

Olga Leviev

Children

Lev Leviev was born on July 30, 1956, in Samarkand, Uzbek SSR, to a prominent Bukharian Jewish family. He grew up in a religious household and received a traditional Jewish education. In 1971, at the age of fifteen, Leviev and his family immigrated to Israel.

Lev Leviev: Family

Leviev is married and has four children. His son, Zevulun Leviev, is also involved in the diamond industry and has been arrested on suspicion of illegal diamond smuggling. Leviev's daughter, Chagit Leviev, is a businesswoman and philanthropist.

Lev Leviev: Career Highlights

Leviev began his career in the diamond industry as an apprentice in a diamond polishing plant in Israel. He quickly rose through the ranks and established his own diamond polishing plant in 1977. During a recession in the diamond industry, Leviev acquired 12 competing factories, consolidating his position in the market. In 1992, he moved to Russia and purchased Ruis Diamonds Ltd., specializing in fancy cutting and high-end ideal cuts of larger diamonds.

Lev Leviev: Companies

Leviev is the founder and chairman of the Leviev Group, a diversified holding company with interests in the diamond industry, real estate, chemicals, and other sectors. He is also the controlling shareholder and chairman of Africa-Israel Investments, which has extensive real estate investments in Russia.

Lev Leviev: Major Achievements

Leviev is one of the most successful businessmen in the diamond industry. He has built a multi-billion dollar empire from scratch and is considered one of the world's leading experts on diamonds. Leviev is also a noted philanthropist and has donated millions of dollars to Jewish causes.

Lev Leviev: Awards & Achievements

Leviev has received numerous awards and honors for his business achievements and philanthropy. He was named "Entrepreneur of the Year" by Ernst & Young in 1997 and was awarded the Israel Prize in 2005. Leviev is also a member of the Forbes list of billionaires.

Lev Leviev: Personal Life & Legacy

Leviev is a private person and rarely gives interviews.

He is known for his religious beliefs and his commitment to Jewish causes. Leviev moved to Hampstead, London, with his family in 2007 and maintains a house in Ponte Vedra, Florida. He applied for Portuguese citizenship based on Sephardic Jewish descent in 2022.

Lev Leviev: Trivia

Leviev is a licensed pilot and enjoys flying his own plane. He is also a collector of rare diamonds and owns one of the largest private collections of diamonds in the world.

Wealth History

Timeline

July 30, 1956

Lev Leviev is born in Samarkand, Uzbek SSR.

1971

Leviev moves to Israel with his family at the age of fifteen.

1977

Leviev establishes his own diamond polishing plant in Israel.

1992

Leviev moves to Russia and purchases Ruis Diamonds Ltd.

1997

Leviev organizes the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia (FEOR).

2007

Leviev moves to Hampstead, London, with his family.

2015

Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law, seals a $295 million real estate deal with Leviev's firms.

2018

Leviev's son, Zevulun, is arrested for suspected illegal diamond smuggling.

2022

Leviev applies for Portuguese citizenship based on Sephardic Jewish descent.

Lev Leviev : FAQs

What is Lev Leviev's net worth?

As of 2018, Lev Leviev's net worth was $1.00 billion.

What are Lev Leviev's main sources of wealth?

Lev Leviev's main source of income comes from Diamonds.

In which industry does Lev Leviev primarily operate?

Lev Leviev is primarily involved in the Metals & Mining industry.

How old is Lev Leviev?

Lev Leviev is 70 years old.

How many children does Lev Leviev have?

Lev Leviev has 9 children.

Who is Lev Leviev and why is he famous?

Lev Leviev, born on July 30, 1956, in Samarkand, Uzbek SSR, is a renowned Israeli diamond magnate, investor, and philanthropist. He is famous for being the former Chairman and majority shareholder of Africa Israel Investments from 1997 to 2018, his influential role in the diamond industry, and his philanthropic efforts, especially for Chabad Lubavitch causes in Eastern Europe and Israel.

How did Lev Leviev begin his career in the diamond trade?

Lev Leviev started his journey in the diamond trade by working as an apprentice in a diamond polishing plant in Israel. In 1977, he established his own diamond polishing plant. He expanded his business by acquiring 12 competing factories during a recession in the diamond industry and later moved to Russia in 1992 to purchase Ruis Diamonds Ltd., specializing in fancy cutting and high-end ideal cuts of larger diamonds.

What are some of Lev Leviev's notable philanthropic activities?

Lev Leviev is known for his significant philanthropic activities, particularly in support of Jewish causes. He expanded his business into Eastern Europe and former Soviet Union territories, receiving support from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson. Leviev sponsors the Jewish Learning Initiative, is a prominent member and president of the World Congress of Bukharian Jews, and is a major supporter of various Jewish philanthropic initiatives through the Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS and the Ohr Avner Foundation.

What was Lev Leviev's involvement in Israeli settlements?

Lev Leviev has been involved in the construction of Israeli settlements in the West Bank through his companies. His involvement has faced protests and criticism due to the controversial nature of settlement construction in disputed territories.

Has Lev Leviev faced any controversies?

Yes, Lev Leviev has faced several controversies, including scrutiny over a $295 million real estate deal with Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law, in 2015, which attracted attention during the investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. His son, Zevulun, was arrested in 2018 for suspected illegal diamond smuggling, and Leviev himself faced accusations related to his monopoly on diamonds exported from Angola and his partnerships with Russian businessmen.