Grigori Berezkine: From Chemist to Media Owner and Philanthropist

Grigori Berezkine, born on August 9, 1966, has had a diverse career spanning several decades. Initially trained as a chemist, he is now the owner of RBC, a leading independent media group in Russia, and a board member of the Reach for Change foundation. Since 2012, he has focused mainly on social philanthropy.

Berezkine graduated with a degree in petrochemistry from Moscow State University in 1988 and later earned a doctorate in chemical sciences in 1993. He began his career in the tech industry, co-founding a company that developed software for oil refineries. This venture led him to identify gaps in the market, prompting him to import specialized equipment from abroad.

In the mid-1990s, Berezkine joined KomiTEK, a major oil producer in Russia, where he helped secure international funding and formed partnerships with foreign companies. His efforts contributed to the company’s successful sale to Lukoil for a significant profit in 1999.

Afterward, he moved into the energy sector, where he led Kolenergo, a power company, focusing on financial discipline and operational reforms. Under his leadership, Kolenergo became the first Russian utility to sell electricity on European markets.

In the 2000s, Berezkine shifted his focus to media, acquiring Komsomolskaya Pravda and later partnering with Metro International to expand free newspapers in Russia. He purchased RBC in 2017, further solidifying his role in the media landscape.

Alongside his business ventures, Berezkine is known for his philanthropic work through the Reach for Change foundation, which supports social entrepreneurs addressing issues that governments and markets have not resolved. His ability to bridge business and social impact has defined his career.