Armen Sarkissian, born in Yerevan in 1953, transitioned from a career in theoretical physics to the highest levels of Armenian politics. He served as the 4th President of Armenia from 2018 to 2022 and held the position of Prime Minister between 1996 and 1997, marking a path defined by international diplomacy and scientific research.
Scientific and Academic Foundations
Sarkissian holds a degree in theoretical physics and mathematics from Yerevan State University. Between 1976 and 1984, he taught physics at the same institution before becoming a visiting professor at the University of Cambridge, where he collaborated with Stephen Hawking and Lord Martin Rees. In 1988, he established the Department of Computer Modeling of Complex Systems at Yerevan State University. Outside of academia, he co-created the video game Wordtris, which achieved global commercial success in the early 1990s.
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In November 1991, Sarkissian founded the Armenian Embassy in London, establishing the first diplomatic mission for the nation in the West. He served as Armenia’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom intermittently over several decades, concluding his final tenure in 2018. His diplomatic portfolio was extensive, including roles as ambassador to the European Union, NATO, the Vatican, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. He also contributed to global organizations, serving as the first chairman of the Global Council on Energy Security at the World Economic Forum.
Political Leadership
Sarkissian served as Prime Minister of Armenia from 1996 to 1997, a period during which he oversaw energy sector restructuring and the abolition of the Ministry of Information to encourage press freedom. He resigned in 1997 due to health concerns. In 2018, he was elected President of Armenia by the National Assembly, securing 90 out of 105 votes. His term ended in 2022. Following his departure from the presidency, he authored the book The Small States Club, published by Hurst Publishers in 2023.
Business and Advisory Boards
Throughout his career, Sarkissian held numerous executive and advisory roles. He served as a Governor of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and acted as a director for Eurasia House International. His institutional affiliations include the Harvard Kennedy School Dean's Advisory Board, the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy, and the International School in Dilijan. He has also been a member of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia.
Fast facts
- Born: 1953, Yerevan
- Presidency: 2018-2022
- Prime Minister: 1996-1997
- Ambassador to UK: 1998-2018
- Education: Yerevan State University
- Academic Focus: Theoretical Physics
- Video Game Co-creator: Wordtris
- Citizenship: UK, Armenia, Saint Kitts and Nevis
Questions readers ask
What was Sarkissian's role in the gaming industry?
He was a co-creator of the 1991 game Wordtris, which became one of the highest-selling video games of its time.
What academic institutions did he attend or work with?
He earned his degree from Yerevan State University and later served as a visiting professor at the University of Cambridge.
Achievements
- Prime Minister of Armenia (1996–1997)
- Ambassador of Armenia to the United Kingdom (1998–2018)
- President of Armenia (2018–2022)
- Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic — 2018
- Collar of the Order of Pope Pius IX — 2021
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Gregory the Great — 1997
- Educated at Yerevan State University
