Andrey Guryev
Andrey Guryev | |
|---|---|
| Born | Andrey Grigoryevich Guryev March 24, 1960 Lobnya, Russia |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, businessman |
| Years active | 1990–present |
| Known for | Former chief executive of PhosAgro |
Andrey Grigoryevich Guryev (; born 24 March 1960) is a Russian billionaire entrepreneur and the former chief executive of PhosAgro, ranked among the world's leading producers of phosphate-based fertilizers. As of March 2022, his estimated net worth stands at approximately US$4.8 billion.
Guryev accumulated his fortune during the 1990s by acquiring undervalued former state assets following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. In 2004, he acquired Mikhail Khodorkovsky's share in PhosAgro at a substantially discounted price after Khodorkovsky was detained by the Putin administration.
Early life
Originating from Lobnya, a town near Moscow, Guryev completed his studies in 1983 at the Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism, earning a degree in physical education and sports. Subsequently, he obtained a bachelor's degree in economics from University of Greenwich in 2003, graduated from the Russian Government Academy of National Economy in 2004, and secured a postgraduate qualification in Economics from St. Petersburg National Mineral Resources University in 2010.
A master of Judo, Guryev served as an instructor and acted as secretary for the Dinamo Komsomol committee of Mosgorsovet between 1978 and 1987.
Career
Guryev’s professional journey began in 1990 when he joined Mikhail Khodorkovsky’s Menatep Group. By 2000, he had risen to become chairman of Apatit, a subsidiary under Menatep.
In 1995, he was appointed Head of the Mining and Chemical Products Department and Deputy CEO at ROSPROM. He later took charge of the Y. V. Samoilov Research Institute for Fertilizers and Insectofungicides (NIUIF).
By 2011, Guryev held a 71% ownership stake in PhosAgro, with Vladimir Litvinenko owning 10%. The following year, PhosAgro acquired a 20% interest in Apatit; Guryev orchestrated a management buyout to secure complete ownership of both enterprises and now retains full control.
Between 2011 and 2013, Guryev represented Murmansk oblast as a member of the Federation Council. He resigned from political office in 2013 to comply with new regulations concerning foreign bank accounts applicable to Russian businesspeople and assumed the role of Deputy Chairman on PhosAgro’s Board.
In 2014, Guryev increased Litvinenko’s shareholding in PhosAgro to 9.73% through a sale of additional shares. By early 2015, Andrei Guryev Jr., his son and CEO of PhosAgro, characterized the company as "the most profitable phosphate fertilizer producer worldwide."
PhosAgro’s ownership is primarily managed via family trusts; however, Guryev’s spouse Evgenia directly owns 4.82% of the company. Forbes estimated his net worth at US$4.3 billion as of July 2016.
Additionally, Guryev holds the position of vice president within the Russian Union of Chemists.
Sanctions
In response to the Russo-Ukrainian War, Guryev was subjected to sanctions by the UK government in 2022. On March 9, 2022, his son was included on the European Union sanctions list. Subsequently, Japan imposed sanctions on Andrey Guryev in January 2023, followed by New Zealand enacting measures connected to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Personal life
Guryev is married to Evgenia and they have two children: their son, Andrey Guryev, Jr., who serves as CEO of PhosAgro, and their daughter, Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov, who is married to hedge fund manager Alexei Motlokhov. The family resides in Highgate along with their twin sons.
The Guryev family holds ownership of Witanhurst in Highgate—recognized as London's second largest residence after Buckingham Palace—through an offshore entity based in the British Virgin Islands. Additionally, Guryev possesses the penthouse apartment in London's St George Wharf Tower. He has consistently avoided giving interviews to the media.
Through an offshore company, Guryev was the owner of the yacht Alfa Nero, which is now set to be auctioned in Antigua and Barbuda as a consequence of imposed sanctions.