Vladimir Makhlai
Vladimir Nikolayevich Makhlai | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 9, 1937 Russia |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Years active | 1953–2011 |
| Known for | Principal shareholder and former President and CEO of TogliattiAzot |
Vladimir Nikolayevich Makhlai (; born June 9, 1937) is a prominent Russian entrepreneur and principal shareholder of TogliattiAzot, recognized as the largest ammonia manufacturer globally. He directed the company starting in 1985, holding the positions of President and CEO for a span of 15 years before stepping down in May 2011, at which point his son, Sergei Makhlai, took over leadership.
In July 2019, the Komsomolsky District Court in Togliatti found both Vladimir and Sergei Makhlai guilty of extensive fraud, resulting in nine-year prison sentences.
Career
Makhlai's professional journey commenced in 1953 as an apprentice turner in Gubakha. By 1961, he had advanced to assistant machinist at the Gubakhin Chemical Plant. He completed his studies in Chemistry and Technology at Perm Polytechnic Institute between 1961 and 1965.
Between 1966 and 1973, he climbed through various technical and supervisory positions at Gubakhin Chemical Plant, including roles such as foreman, mechanic, and head of production departments. In 1973, he was promoted to Deputy Director overseeing capital asset construction and became Chief Executive the following year.
In April 1985, Makhlai assumed the role of Director General at Togliattiazot. Since 2006, he has been based in London. After his retirement in 2011, the position of President at Togliattiazot was discontinued.
Personal life
Sergei Makhlai, his son, was appointed Chairman of TogliattiAzot in 2011.
The Sunday Times Rich List of 2021 estimated Vladimir Makhlai’s wealth at £1 billion. He gained entry to the UK through a golden visa scheme.
Education and research
Makhlai earned his degree from Perm Polytechnic Institute in 1965 and later graduated from the Production Organizers’ Department at Ural Polytechnic Institute in 1975.
He has contributed to his field with 35 inventions and scholarly articles, alongside authoring one monograph.
His professional affiliations include Full Membership in the Academy of Quality Control, Corresponding Membership in the Russian Academy of Natural Science, Confirmed Membership in the International Academy of Business, and he holds an honorary doctorate (Doctor Honoris Causa) from the Key Industrial Technology Processes and Methods Association.
Awards
Throughout his career, Makhlai has been honored with numerous Soviet and Russian distinctions:
- Soviet Decorations:
- Russian non-governmental honors:
- Peter the Great Medal (2000)
- Order of St. Prince Alexander Nevsky (2008)
- Named Engineer of the Year for Construction and Construction Industry (2001)
- Awarded Honorary Citizenship of Togliatti (2001)
- Received Kremlin Grand and Leader recognition within the Russian Chemical Industry (June 2007), notably during an ongoing investigation