A net worth estimated at 3.85 billion euros as of December 2024 marks Miroslav Mišković as the wealthiest individual in Serbia. Based in a country that underwent significant political and economic transitions since the 1990s, he built a diversified corporate presence spanning agribusiness, financial services, retail, and real estate through his firm, Delta Holding.
Early Career and Education
Born in 1945 in the village of Bošnjane, Mišković grew up on his family farm. During his childhood, an accident involving a slingshot resulted in the loss of 90 percent of vision in his left eye. He completed his secondary education in Kruševac before attending the University of Belgrade Faculty of Economics, graduating in 1971. His professional life began at Jugobanka and Trayal, followed by a transition to Župa Chemical Industries in 1977. By 1984, he became the company's financial director, eventually serving as chief executive officer from 1987 until 1990.
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In 1990, Mišković served a brief six-month tenure as deputy prime minister in the Serbian government. The following year, he established Delta M. This venture served as the foundation for Delta Holding, a conglomerate that expanded into distribution, insurance, and retail. The firm launched Delta banka, which remained part of his portfolio until its sale to Banca Intesa in 2005. Following the political events of October 5, 2000, his business expanded significantly during the subsequent wave of national privatization.
Abduction and Retail Divestment
On April 9, 2001, Mišković was abducted and held for ransom. He was released the following day after a payment was provided. This incident was later linked by investigators to the same network convicted of the 2003 assassination of Prime Minister Zoran Đinđić. Regarding his retail operations, he eventually divested his Maxi and Delta stores to the Belgian company Delhaize for 1 billion euros.
Legal Proceedings
In December 2012, authorities detained Mišković, his son Marko, and several associates regarding the 2005 privatization of road maintenance companies. Prosecutors alleged the group gained 30 million euros in illegal profits through the acquisition of these firms via a Cyprus-based entity, Hemslade Trading Ltd. After being held in custody, he was released in July 2013 on a 12 million euro bail. In 2016, the Belgrade High Court acquitted him of abuse of office charges but reached a guilty verdict on tax evasion. Following an appeal, the case was returned for a retrial concerning the tax charges.
Fast facts
- Born: 1945, Bošnjane, Serbia
- Education: University of Belgrade Faculty of Economics
- Key Company: Delta Holding
- Chief Executive Officer experience: Yes
- Net Worth: 3.85 billion euros (December 2024)
- Political experience: Former deputy prime minister
- Abducted: 9 April 2001
- Citizenship: Serbia
Questions readers ask
What is the origin of the name Delta M?
The name was derived from the entrepreneur's initials, double M.
Was he convicted of abuse of office?
No, the Belgrade High Court acquitted him of abuse of office charges in 2016.
Achievements
- Educated at University of Belgrade Faculty of Economics
