# Viktor Vekselberg

> Russian–Cypriot oligarch and businessman

**Wikidata**: [Q704450](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q704450)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viktor_Vekselberg)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/viktor-vekselberg

## Summary
Viktor Vekselberg is a Russian–Cypriot oligarch and businessman known for his leadership in the Renova Group, a major Russian conglomerate, and his significant collection of Fabergé eggs. He is also recognized for his roles in the energy sector, particularly through TNK-BP, and his philanthropic and cultural contributions in Russia.

## Biography
- **Born**: April 14, 1957
- **Nationality**: Russian, Cypriot
- **Known for**: Leading the Renova Group, collecting Imperial Fabergé eggs, and contributions to the Russian energy sector
- **Employer(s)**: Renova Group, TNK-BP, Skolkovo Foundation
- **Field(s)**: Business, Engineering, Energy, Collecting

## Contributions
Viktor Vekselberg has made significant contributions in business, energy, and cultural preservation. As the founder and leader of the Renova Group, he has overseen a conglomerate with approximately 134,000 employees, operating in various industries. He played a key role in TNK-BP, a major Russian oil company formed in 2003. Vekselberg is also renowned for his collection of Imperial Fabergé eggs, including notable pieces like the *Rosebud* (1895), *Bay Tree* (1911), and *Imperial Coronation* (1897) eggs. His acquisition of these eggs has preserved important cultural artifacts, some of which are displayed in the Fabergé Museum in Saint Petersburg, which he helped establish in 2013.

## FAQs
**What is Viktor Vekselberg's role in the Renova Group?**
Viktor Vekselberg is the founder and leader of the Renova Group, a Russian conglomerate established in 1990. The group operates across multiple industries and employs around 134,000 people, making it one of the largest private companies in Russia.

**What Fabergé eggs does Viktor Vekselberg own?**
Vekselberg owns several Imperial Fabergé eggs, including the *Rosebud* (1895), *Bay Tree* (1911), *Spring Flowers*, *Order of St. George* (1916), *Fifteenth Anniversary* (1911), *Lilies of the Valley* (1898), *Renaissance* (1894), *Imperial Coronation* (1897), *Kelch Hen* (1898), *Duchess of Marlborough* (1902), *First Hen* (1885), *Cockerel* (1900), and *Scandinavian* eggs.

**What awards has Viktor Vekselberg received?**
Vekselberg has received several Russian state awards, including the Order of Alexander Nevsky (2010), the Decoration "For Beneficence" (2012), the Order of Honour (1994), the Russian Federation Presidential Certificate of Honour (2008), the Russian Federation Presidential Certificate of Gratitude (2008), and the Commendation of the Government of Russia (2009). He has also been honored by the Russian Orthodox Church with the Order of St. Sergius of Radonezh.

**What is the Fabergé Museum in Saint Petersburg?**
The Fabergé Museum in Saint Petersburg, established in 2013, houses a significant collection of Fabergé eggs and other artifacts. Viktor Vekselberg played a key role in its founding and has contributed several of his acquired Fabergé eggs to the museum’s exhibits.

## Why They Matter
Viktor Vekselberg is a pivotal figure in Russia’s post-Soviet economic landscape, particularly through his leadership of the Renova Group and involvement in the energy sector via TNK-BP. His business ventures have contributed to Russia’s industrial and economic development, while his acquisition and preservation of Fabergé eggs have safeguarded important cultural heritage. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts, such as the establishment of the Fabergé Museum, have enriched Russia’s cultural and historical legacy.

## Notable For
- Founding and leading the Renova Group, one of Russia’s largest conglomerates.
- Owning a significant collection of Imperial Fabergé eggs, including rare and historically valuable pieces.
- Receiving multiple high-profile Russian state awards, such as the Order of Alexander Nevsky and the Order of Honour.
- Playing a key role in the establishment of the Fabergé Museum in Saint Petersburg.
- Contributing to the Russian energy sector through his involvement with TNK-BP.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Viktor Feliksovich Vekselberg was born on April 14, 1957. While specific details about his early education are not provided in the source material, his career trajectory suggests a strong background in business and engineering, which aligns with his later roles in industrial and energy sectors.

### Career and Business Ventures
Vekselberg is best known as the founder and leader of the Renova Group, a Russian conglomerate established in 1990. The group operates across multiple industries, including energy, metals, and telecommunications, and employs approximately 134,000 people. Under his leadership, Renova has become one of the most influential private companies in Russia.

In addition to Renova, Vekselberg played a significant role in TNK-BP, a major Russian oil company formed in 2003. His involvement in the energy sector has been instrumental in shaping Russia’s economic landscape, particularly in the post-Soviet era.

### Cultural Contributions and Collecting
Vekselberg is renowned for his collection of Imperial Fabergé eggs, which are among the most valuable and historically significant artifacts from the Russian Empire. His collection includes:
- *Rosebud* (1895)
- *Bay Tree* (1911)
- *Spring Flowers*
- *Order of St. George* (1916)
- *Fifteenth Anniversary* (1911)
- *Lilies of the Valley* (1898)
- *Renaissance* (1894)
- *Imperial Coronation* (1897)
- *Kelch Hen* (1898)
- *Duchess of Marlborough* (1902)
- *First Hen* (1885)
- *Cockerel* (1900)
- *Scandinavian* (1899, 1903)

His acquisition of these eggs has preserved important cultural heritage, and many of these pieces are displayed in the Fabergé Museum in Saint Petersburg, which he helped establish in 2013.

### Awards and Recognition
Vekselberg has received numerous awards and honors from the Russian state and other institutions. These include:
- **Order of Alexander Nevsky** (2010): A prestigious Russian state award.
- **Decoration "For Beneficence"** (2012): Recognizes his contributions to society.
- **Order of Honour** (1994): Awarded for significant achievements in business and public service.
- **Russian Federation Presidential Certificate of Honour** (2008): Bestowed by the President of Russia.
- **Russian Federation Presidential Certificate of Gratitude** (2008): Another presidential recognition.
- **Commendation of the Government of Russia** (2009): Awarded by the Russian government.
- **Order of St. Sergius of Radonezh**: Conferred by the Russian Orthodox Church in recognition of his contributions.

### Philanthropy and Cultural Impact
Beyond his business ventures, Vekselberg has made significant contributions to cultural preservation and philanthropy. His role in establishing the Fabergé Museum in Saint Petersburg has provided a permanent home for his collection of Fabergé eggs, making them accessible to the public and preserving them for future generations. This museum has become a key cultural institution in Russia, attracting visitors from around the world.

### Influence and Legacy
Vekselberg’s influence extends beyond business into the cultural and philanthropic spheres. His leadership in the Renova Group has shaped Russia’s industrial and economic development, while his collection of Fabergé eggs has preserved a vital part of Russia’s artistic and historical heritage. His awards and recognitions reflect his contributions to both the economy and culture of Russia, cementing his legacy as a prominent figure in the country’s post-Soviet history.

## References

1. Davos 2014 Participant List
2. Munzinger Personen
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Davos 2013 Participant List
5. Davos 2016 Participant List
6. Davos 2017 Participant List
7. Davos 2018 Participant List
8. Davos 2019 Participant List
9. Davos 2020 Participant List
10. Davos 2004 List of Participants
11. [The World's Billionaires. 2019](https://www.forbes.com/billionaires/list/;5/#version:static)
12. [Source](https://www.forbes.com/profile/viktor-vekselberg/?list=billionaires&sh=f3f0cbf30b17)