Ruben Katsobashvili
Ruben Katsobashvili | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 20, 1933 Georgia |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, energy industry executive |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Known for | CEO of Nefti Saqartvelo, founder of RUB Oil and Gas Consulting, board member of Interactive Energy AG |
Ruben Katsobashvili (born February 20, 1933) is a Russian entrepreneur and serves on the board of Interactive Energy AG, a firm engaged in commodity trading across sectors including energy, metals, minerals, and soft commodities. He is currently based in Moscow.
Early life
Katsobashvili was born in Georgia into a Jewish family; his father Samuel was a dentist of Russian origin, and his mother Sara was Italian. He obtained a Bachelor's degree in Economy & Government National Economy from Tbilisi State University and later completed a PhD in Computer Science at the University of Moscow. He is proficient in both Russian and Georgian languages.
Career
With more than three decades of experience in the energy industry within Georgia and Russia, Katsobashvili is known for his strategic leadership and expertise in managing organizational transformations. He held the position of CEO at Nefti Saqartvelo, an energy services firm specializing in transportation and logistics with annual revenues around $4 billion. During his tenure, he crafted and executed both immediate and long-range strategies while maintaining strong internal controls and information management systems.
He established RUB Oil and Gas Consulting, a private consultancy acquired by Olaf & Marc Klarenco in 2010. His work there centered on strategic planning, evaluating acquisitions, and leadership development to boost client growth. Furthermore, Katsobashvili has acted as a private consultant to partners and clients within the oil and gas sector, assisting them in reaching investment goals by enhancing profitability, market position, and return on investment.
Ventures
- Interactive Energy AG specializes in the logistics, physical trading, and distribution of energy and commodities. The company procures products from external producers for redistribution purposes. Ruben Katsobashvili provides full financial backing and strategic direction to this enterprise, facilitating its swift expansion.
- RUB Oil and Gas Consulting was founded by Katsobashvili as a private entity before its sale to Olaf & Marc Klarenco in 2010.
Global Witness Allegations
The NGO Global Witness has raised concerns regarding Katsobashvili's financial participation in projects within the Democratic Republic of the Congo, questioning his actual wealth. They also claim that the Wikipedia entry about him was created by one of his employees and appears to be fabricated.
Business career
- Nefti Sakartvelo Ltd., Tbilisi, F.S.U. (Georgia) (1987–1991): Chief Executive Officer.
- RUB Oil and Gas Consulting (1992–2010): Founder.
- Private Advisor to Partners and Clients (2010–present): Offering financial strategy development and execution.
- Private Businessman (1992–2010).
- R.K.A. Igravil, Moscow (2000–2006): Directed operations and formulated strategy.
- Maraka Development and Investment Ltd. (1994–2013).