Andrey Guryev accumulated significant wealth during the 1990s by acquiring formerly state-owned Russian assets following the collapse of the Soviet Union. As a former leader of PhosAgro, he managed one of the world's primary producers of phosphate-based fertilizers, eventually securing total control of the company through a management buyout process that culminated in full ownership.
Educational and Early Career Foundation
Born in 1960 in Lobnya, Guryev spent his early years engaged in sports, graduating from the Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism in 1983. He held credentials as a Judo master and served as an instructor for the Mosgorsovet's Dinamo Komsomol organization between 1978 and 1987. His academic background expanded later with degrees in economics from the University of Greenwich in 2003, the Russian Government Academy of National Economy in 2004, and a post-graduate certificate from St. Petersburg National Mineral Resources University in 2010.
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In 1990, Guryev joined the Menatep Group under Mikhail Khodorkovsky. By 1995, he served as Head of the Mining and Chemical Products Department and later as Deputy CEO of ROSPROM. He also directed the Y. V. Samoilov Research Institute for Fertilizers and Insectofungicides. In 2000, he became chairman of the subsidiary Apatit. By 2004, he acquired Khodorkovsky's stake in PhosAgro. Following a period where he held 71% of the company, he eventually transitioned to full ownership. He currently serves as vice president of the Russian Union of Chemists.
Political Tenure and Sanctions
Guryev served as a member of the Federation Council from 2001 to 2013, representing the executive branch of the Murmansk oblast government. He resigned in 2013, citing regulations regarding foreign bank accounts. Following the start of the Russo-Ukrainian War, he faced international sanctions from the United Kingdom and New Zealand in 2022, and Japan in 2023. These measures resulted in the seizure of his yachts, Alfa Nero and Luminosity. His notable decorations include the Order of Alexander Nevsky, the Order of Honour, and the Order of St. Seraphim of Sarov, 2nd class.
Personal Assets and Family
Guryev is married to Evgenia, who maintains a 4.82% stake in PhosAgro. They have two children: Andrey Guryev, Jr., the CEO of PhosAgro, and Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov. The family utilizes an offshore company in the British Virgin Islands to hold Witanhurst in Highgate, recognized as the second-largest house in London. He also owns a five-storey penthouse located in the St George Wharf Tower in London. Despite his visibility in the fertilizer industry and real estate holdings, he has never participated in a press interview.
Fast facts
- Born: 1960, Lobnya
- Estimated net worth: US$4.8 billion as of March 2022
- Education: Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism, 1983
- Political role: Member of the Federation Council, 2001-2013
- Awards: Order of Alexander Nevsky, Order of Honour, Order of St. Seraphim of Sarov (2nd class)
- Significant asset: Witanhurst, Highgate
- Key subsidiary: Apatit
Questions readers ask
What is the source of Andrey Guryev's wealth?
He acquired his wealth during the 1990s through the acquisition of state-owned assets and the subsequent control of the fertilizer company PhosAgro.
Why did Guryev resign from the Federation Council?
He stepped down in 2013 due to the introduction of new laws regarding the ownership of foreign bank accounts by Russian entrepreneurs.
Achievements
- Order of Honour
- Order of Alexander Nevsky
- Order of St. Seraphim of Sarov, 2nd class
- Affiliated with Federation Council
