Mikhail Prokhorov

$10.99 B

Ranked #283 in World

About Mikhail Prokhorov

Renowned Russian billionaire Mikhail Dmitrievich Prokhorov's journey began on May 3, 1965, in Moscow. Adept in finance with a Moscow Finance Institute degree, Prokhorov's entrepreneurial spirit led him to form the ONEXIM Group, diversifying into nanotech, media, and real estate. His political ventures stagnated despite a notable presidential run, endorsing his reversion to business. Internationally, he marked NBA history with the Brooklyn Nets before exiting to invest in virtual reality pursuits, never shying away from philanthropy despite facing legal challenges and political controversies.

Born

May 03, 1965

Age

60 years

Source Of Wealth

Investments

Industries

Finance & Investments

Citizenship

Russia

Residence

Frauenfeld

Education

Master of Economics, Moscow Institute of Finance

Mikhail Dmitrievich Prokhorov was born on May 3, 1965, in Moscow, Russia. His father, Dmitri Prokhorov, was a lawyer who handled international relations for the Soviet Committee of Physical Culture and Sport. His mother, Tamara Prokhorova, was a materials engineer at the Institute for Chemical Machine-Building. Prokhorov has one elder sister, Irina, who runs his philanthropic organizations and a publishing house.

Mikhail Prokhorov: Education

Prokhorov graduated from the Moscow Finance Institute in 1989 with a degree in international economic relations.

Mikhail Prokhorov: Business Career

Prokhorov's business career began in the early 1990s when he partnered with Vladimir Potanin to run Interros, a holding company used to purchase Norilsk Nickel in 1995. Through the controversial "loans-for-shares" privatization program, Prokhorov and Potanin acquired Norilsk Nickel, one of Russia's largest nickel and palladium mining and smelting companies, at a fraction of its estimated market value. Prokhorov served as Chairman of the Board of Norilsk Nickel from 1996 to 2007.

During his tenure at Norilsk, Prokhorov converted the company's gold-mining interests into Polyus Gold, Russia's largest gold producer. He also oversaw the acquisition of Stillwater Mining in 2003, his first international venture. In 2007, Prokhorov exited Interros and launched the private investment fund ONEXIM Group.

Through ONEXIM Group, Prokhorov made significant investments in various sectors, including nanotechnology, media, and real estate development. He also acquired a 25% stake in Norilsk Nickel from United Company RUSAL in exchange for Rusal stock, cash, and additional payment obligations. Additionally, Prokhorov acquired a 50% stake in Renaissance Capital, a major Russian investment bank.

Mikhail Prokhorov: Political Career

In December 2011, Prokhorov announced his intention to run as an independent in the 2012 Russian presidential election. He finished third in the election with 7.94% of the vote. Following the election, Prokhorov established the Civic Platform Party in June 2012. However, he resigned from his political positions in 2015 to focus on his business ventures.

Mikhail Prokhorov: International Investments and Patronage

Prokhorov has made notable investments beyond Russia.

He owns two private hospitals in Israel and supports various sports clubs and organizations, including CSKA Moscow and the Russian Biathlon Union. Prokhorov gained international recognition when he became the first non-North American team owner in the NBA after purchasing a majority stake in the New Jersey Nets in 2010. He rebranded the team as the Brooklyn Nets and moved them to Brooklyn in 2012. However, he sold his remaining stake in the Nets to Joseph Tsai in 2019.

Prokhorov also controls Sensorium Corp, a virtual reality company that aims to create immersive experiences.

Mikhail Prokhorov: Controversies

Prokhorov has been involved in several controversies throughout his career. In 2007, he was arrested in France on suspicion of arranging prostitutes for guests at a party in Courchevel. Although he was later cleared of the charges, the incident garnered significant media attention.

Prokhorov also lost a £36 million deposit on the Villa Leopolda in the French Riviera after failing to complete the purchase. Additionally, there have been accusations that his political efforts were orchestrated by the Kremlin.

Furthermore, Prokhorov's media group, Onexim, specifically RBC Media, published articles on the Panama Papers and Putin's son-in-law's connections, which led to raids by Russian authorities.

Mikhail Prokhorov: Personal Life

Prokhorov has never married but has been engaged twice. He famously rescinded a pledge to get married if the Brooklyn Nets did not win the NBA championship within five years.

Mikhail Prokhorov: Awards

Prokhorov has received several awards and honors for his contributions to business and society. In 2006, he was awarded the Order of Friendship for his contribution to Russia's economic growth. Additionally, he was bestowed with the French Legion of Honour in 2011.

Wealth History

Timeline

May 3, 1965

Mikhail Dmitrievich Prokhorov is born in Moscow, Russia.

1989

Prokhorov graduates from the Moscow Finance Institute.

1995

Prokhorov partners with Vladimir Potanin to run Interros, a holding company used to purchase Norilsk Nickel.

1996

Prokhorov becomes Chairman of the Board of Norilsk Nickel.

2003

Prokhorov oversees the acquisition of Stillwater Mining, his first international venture.

2007

Prokhorov launches the private investment fund ONEXIM Group after exiting Interros.

2010

Prokhorov becomes the first non-North American team owner in the NBA after purchasing a majority stake in the New Jersey Nets.

December 2011

Prokhorov announces his intention to run as an independent in the 2012 Russian presidential election.

2012

Prokhorov finishes third in the Russian presidential election with 7.94% of the vote.

June 2012

Prokhorov establishes the Civic Platform Party.

2015

Prokhorov resigns from his political positions to focus on business.

2019

Prokhorov sells his remaining stake in the Brooklyn Nets to Joseph Tsai.

Mikhail Prokhorov : FAQs

What is Mikhail Prokhorov's current net worth?

Mikhail Prokhorov's current net worth is $10.99 billion.

What is Mikhail Prokhorov's current global rank among billionaires?

Mikhail Prokhorov holds the 283rd position globally among billionaires.

What is Mikhail Prokhorov's current ranking within the Russia?

Mikhail Prokhorov holds the 12th position in Russia.

What was the change in Mikhail Prokhorov's net worth compared to the previous year?

Mikhail Prokhorov's net worth increased by 295.37 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 10.69 billion dollars.

What are Mikhail Prokhorov's main sources of wealth?

Mikhail Prokhorov's main source of income comes from Investments.

In which industry does Mikhail Prokhorov primarily operate?

Mikhail Prokhorov is primarily involved in the Finance & Investments industry.

What is Mikhail Prokhorov educational background?

Mikhail Prokhorov holds a Master of Economics from Moscow Institute of Finance.

How old is Mikhail Prokhorov?

Mikhail Prokhorov is 60 years old.

Who is Mikhail Prokhorov and what is known about his early life?

Mikhail Prokhorov is a prominent Russian billionaire born on May 3, 1965, in Moscow. His father was a lawyer and his mother a materials engineer. He grew up with an elder sister, Irina, who now manages his philanthropic activities and a publishing house.

What marked the beginning of Mikhail Prokhorov's business career?

Mikhail Prokhorov's business career commenced with a partnership with Vladimir Potanin, running the holding company Interros and the acquisition of Norilsk Nickel in 1995, marking his entry into the metals industry.

What are some notable highlights of Mikhail Prokhorov's political endeavors?

Mikhail Prokhorov entered politics by announcing his independent candidacy for the 2012 Russian presidential race, founded the Civic Platform Party, and later withdrew from his political roles in 2015 to concentrate on his business pursuits.

How has Mikhail Prokhorov expanded his investments internationally?

Mikhail Prokhorov's international portfolio includes ownership of two private hospitals in Israel, support for sports organizations, becoming an NBA team owner with the New Jersey Nets, turning them into the Brooklyn Nets, and managing Sensorium Corp, a virtual reality enterprise.

What controversies has Mikhail Prokhorov faced in his career?

Mikhail Prokhorov faced controversy over a prostitution-related arrest in 2007 for which he was later cleared, the forfeiture of a £36 million deposit on Villa Leopolda, speculation of Kremlin orchestration in his political career, and government raids on his media group after publishing articles related to the Panama Papers.