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Leonid Mikhelson
#45Top 50 Richest People in the World

Leonid Mikhelson Net Worth

$29B

2026 estimate · Source: NOVATEK · Russia

Net Worth

$29B

Global Rank

#45

Source

NOVATEK

Country

Russia

$How Leonid Mikhelson Built Their Fortune

Leonid Mikhelson is the chairman and co-owner of NOVATEK, Russia's largest independent natural gas producer and one of the world's leading liquefied natural gas (LNG) companies. An engineer by training, Mikhelson has spent four decades building NOVATEK into a world-class energy company that has pioneered the development of Arctic natural gas resources and established Russia as a major player in the global LNG market.

Mikhelson's greatest achievement is the development of the Yamal LNG project, one of the largest and most technically challenging industrial projects in history. Located above the Arctic Circle in Siberia, Yamal LNG required extraordinary engineering to produce and liquefy natural gas in extreme conditions, with winter temperatures reaching minus 50 degrees Celsius. The project was completed on time and within budget — a remarkable feat for a facility of its scale and complexity — and began producing LNG in 2017.

Beyond energy, Mikhelson is a dedicated patron of contemporary art and culture. His V-A-C Foundation supports contemporary art exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural exchanges, and he has backed the development of the GES-2 House of Culture in Moscow, a world-class contemporary art space. His combination of engineering excellence, business leadership, and cultural patronage makes him one of the most multifaceted business leaders in the world.

vs$29B in Perspective

To put Leonid Mikhelson's $29B fortune into context, here's what that wealth could buy:

488,347

Median U.S. household incomes

At $59,384/year

69,047

Median U.S. homes

At $420,000 each

743,780

Tesla Model 3s

At $38,990 each

268,518

Four-year college degrees

At $108,000 average

6

NFL franchises

At $4.7B average

1,933

Private islands

At $15,000,000 each

Key Wealth Milestones

1994

Acquired a controlling stake in what would become NOVATEK, beginning the process of consolidating Russian independent gas assets into a unified, world-class energy company.

2009

Committed to developing the Yamal LNG project, making the bold decision to invest billions in an Arctic gas liquefaction facility that many considered too risky and technically challenging.

2015

Established the V-A-C Foundation and invested in the GES-2 House of Culture, demonstrating a deep commitment to contemporary art and cultural development.

2017

Celebrated the completion and first shipment of Yamal LNG, marking a milestone in Arctic energy development and establishing NOVATEK as a major global LNG supplier.

Where Leonid Mikhelson Ranks

Global Rank#45

Top 73% of the world's wealthiest · 167 tracked

Nearest by Rank

Richest People in Russia

Leonid Mikhelson on Wealth & Success

Engineering is about solving problems that matter. The harder the problem, the more rewarding the solution.
The Arctic holds enormous potential, but developing it requires patience, innovation, and respect for the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Leonid Mikhelson's net worth in 2026?
Leonid Mikhelson's estimated net worth is $29B as of 2026, making them the #45 richest person in the world.
How did Leonid Mikhelson make their money?
Leonid Mikhelson built their fortune through NOVATEK. Acquired a controlling stake in what would become NOVATEK, beginning the process of consolidating Russian independent gas assets into a unified, world-class energy company.
Where does Leonid Mikhelson rank among the world's richest?
Leonid Mikhelson is ranked #45 on the global billionaires list, placing them in the top 50 richest people in the world.
What country is Leonid Mikhelson from?
Leonid Mikhelson is from Russia.
How does Leonid Mikhelson's wealth compare to everyday life?
Leonid Mikhelson's $29B could buy approximately 69,047 median U.S. homes or fund 268,518 four-year college degrees.

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AI-Generated ContentThis profile was created using AI and publicly available sources. While we strive for accuracy, details may contain errors or be outdated. Quotes may be paraphrased or taken out of context. Achievements and figures are based on public reporting and may not be precise. This profile does not imply endorsement by the individual featured. Not financial advice.