Arkady Rotenberg entered the professional sphere as a judo trainer after graduating from the Lesgaft National State University of Physical Education, Sport and Health in 1978. His early involvement in combat sports established long-term personal ties, eventually providing the foundational framework for his emergence as a prominent business figure within the Russian federation’s industrial and infrastructure sectors.
Early Career and Judo
Born in 1951 in Leningrad, Rotenberg engaged in sambo training from the age of twelve alongside Vladimir Putin. Following his academic studies, he worked as a judoka and coach. In later years, he founded the professional judo club Yavara-Neva with funding from Gennady Timchenko. Under his leadership, the club secured multiple European Judo Championships and received significant state-funded infrastructure, including a dedicated arena.
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During the 1990s, Rotenberg engaged in the petroleum trade alongside his brother, Boris. In 2000, he took a leadership role in the state-owned enterprise Rosspirtprom. Subsequently, in 2001, the brothers established SMP bank. The institution expanded rapidly, operating across 40 Russian cities with a network exceeding 100 branches and 900 automated teller machines, while also functioning as a primary supplier of large-diameter gas piping.
Infrastructure and Construction
In 2008, Rotenberg formed the Stroygazmontazh group after acquiring five companies from Gazprom for $348 million. The entity became the largest construction firm for gas pipelines and electrical power supply lines in Russia. Further expansion included the acquisition of Northern Europe Pipe Project and involvement in significant state contracts, such as the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics infrastructure projects, which included coastal highways and underwater pipelines.
Sanctions and Asset Management
Following the 2014 annexation of Crimea, the United States government placed Rotenberg on the Specially Designated Nationals List, leading to the freezing of various assets. In response, Italy seized real estate valued at €30 million, including properties in Sardinia and Rome. In 2015, Rotenberg transferred significant stakes in Gazprom Drilling, Mostotrest, and TPS Real Estate Holdings Ltd to his son, Igor.
Fast facts
- Born: 1951, Saint Petersburg
- Education: Lesgaft National State University of Physical Education, Sport and Health
- Occupations: Entrepreneur, coach, judoka
- Net worth estimate (2023): $3.5 billion
- Primary business entities: Stroygazmontazh, SMP Bank
- Sanctioned: 2014 by the United States government
- Key awards: Hero of Labour of the Russian Federation
- Academic qualification: Doctor of Pedagogy Sciences
Questions readers ask
What is the scope of SMP bank?
SMP bank operates in 40 Russian cities with over 100 branches and more than 900 ATM machines.
Which assets were transferred to Igor Rotenberg in 2015?
Arkady Rotenberg transferred stakes in Gazprom Drilling, Mostotrest, and TPS Real Estate Holdings Ltd.
Achievements
- Order of Friendship
- Order of St. Sergius of Radonezh 1st class
- Order of Honour
- Order of St. Sergius of Radonezh
- Educated at Lesgaft National State University of Physical Education, Sport and Health
