Russia’s “Richest Civil Servant,” as Kerimov is known, was born on March 12, 1966. He is a businessman who built his career by investing in distressed firms. He has often been mired in controversy. In 2013, Kerimov was part of the “potash war” between Belarus and Uralkali. Kerimov is the principal shareholder of Uralkali, which produces a majority of Russia’s fertilizers.
He represents the Republic of Dagestan in the Federation Council of Russia. In 1989, he graduated from Dagestan State University with a degree in financial accounting and economics. He is said to have dreamt of making money from an early age.
Kerimov served in the Soviet Army as well, a year after enrolling in the Dagestan Polytechnic Institute in 1984. After graduating from University, he got his first job as an accountant at the Eltav electrical plant in the capital of Dagestan (Makhachkala). These were hard times for Kerimov and his wife, who lived in the worker’s hostel and shared a room in a two-room flat.
Kerimov’s hard work and perseverance paid off and he rose to the position of Deputy Director General at Eltav. Side by side, he started investing in various ventures.
Kerimov Family Profile
Let us take a look at the illustrious Kerimov family tree.
Kerimov Parents
Kerimov’s mother worked as an accountant at Sberbank (Savings Bank of Russia). His father was a criminal investigation lawyer.
Kerimov Siblings
Not much is known about Kerimov’s siblings.
Suleiman Kerimov Spouse – Firuza Nazimovna
Kerimov met his future wife while they were both studying at Dagestan State University. She is the daughter of middle-ranking former Communist Party boss.
Children of Suleiman Kerimov and Firuza Nazimovna
Kerimov has 3 children (2 daughters and 1 son).
Gulnara Kerimova
Aminat Kerimova,
Abusaid Kerimova.
Not much is known about them.
Kerimov Family Networth
Kerimov is currently worth $6.3 billion, as of October 2014. He is the 19th Richest Man in Russia and ranks #196 in the Forbes Billionaires list.
In 2007, he set up the Suleyman Kerimov Foundation to support disadvantaged youth. It funds projects in medicine, social services, religion, infrastructure, and sports. In 2011, Kerimov bought FC Anzhi Makhachkala. It signed on Samuel Eto’o to make him the highest paid footballer in the world. Kerimov also gifted footballer Roberto Carlos a Bugatti Veyron for €1.8 million.
Kerimov also owns Ice, one of the world’s largest private yachts. He is known for throwing lavish parties that include performances by public figures such as Jessie J, Christina Aguilera, Shakira, and Amy Winehouse.