Badri Patarkatsishvili, a businessperson born in Tbilisi in 1955, emerged from his early career in the Soviet Komsomol to become a central figure in the post-Soviet Russian economy. By the time of his death in Leatherhead in 2008, he had amassed an estimated wealth of $12 billion, marking his transition from textile operations to international media and energy holdings.
Early Career and LogoVaz
Patarkatsishvili received his education at the Georgian Technical University. During the 1980s, he served as a Komsomol leader at a major textile factory named Maudi. By 1984, he became the Deputy Director General of Gruzavtovazprom, a firm responsible for delivering spare parts and vehicles from the AvtoVAZ manufacturing plant. This role led to a professional partnership with Boris Berezovsky. In 1989, they co-founded LogoVaz, a joint venture with the Italian firm Logo Systems that developed software and managed commercial vehicle sales.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Media Influence and Political Ties
In 1992, Patarkatsishvili relocated to the Moscow region, eventually establishing a base in Moscow by 1994. As a key ally of Boris Berezovsky, he assumed the role of First Deputy General Director at ORT, the largest television broadcaster in Russia, managing the company's financial activities. He and Berezovsky played a significant role in the 1996 presidential election of Boris Yeltsin. His media interests expanded further in 2001 when he became General Director of TV6 and later secured full ownership of the influential newspaper Kommersant before selling it to Alisher Usmanov in 2006.
The Sibneft Privatisation
During the 1997 privatisation of the oil company Sibneft, Patarkatsishvili acted as a primary intermediary. High court documents later cited in legal battles between Roman Abramovich and Berezovsky revealed that Patarkatsishvili facilitated negotiations and was offered $500 million for his services. These records alleged that he provided protective support during Russia's aluminium sector conflicts, highlighting his role in the complex financial atmosphere of the era.
Political Transition and Death
As political scrutiny intensified in Russia following the rise of new leadership, Patarkatsishvili returned to his native Georgia in 2000. He eventually entered politics, participating in the 2008 Georgian presidential election and securing 7.1% of the vote. Following his sudden death in February 2008, his estate became the subject of extensive legal proceedings. In 2018, the government of Georgia formally alleged that former president Mikheil Saakashvili had ordered an assassination attempt against him.
Fast facts
- Born: 1955, Tbilisi
- Died: 12 February 2008, Leatherhead
- Education: Georgian Technical University
- Primary Business Vehicle: LogoVaz
- Estimated Wealth: $12 billion
- 2008 Presidential Election Result: 7.1 percent of votes
- Citizenship: Georgia, Soviet Union
Questions readers ask
What was the result of his 2008 presidential bid?
He finished in third place, receiving 7.1% of the total votes cast.
Which major media outlets did he control?
He held senior positions at ORT and TV6, and at one point held full ownership of the newspaper Kommersant.
Achievements
- Educated at Georgian Technical University
