An investor, businessman, and philanthropist, Leonard Valentinovich Blavatnik has gained his wealth through investments in different companies via his conglomerate company called Access Industries. He is known as Len Blavatnik in America. Educated at Harvard and Columbia, Len first became rich by investing in Russian oil. In 2011, he invested in the music industry by buying record-label Warner Music for $3.3 billion. In addition, he has interests in Tory Burch’s fashion house.
Apart from being a business tycoon, Blavatnik strongly believes in giving back to the needy. The family’s efforts into philanthropy are very recognized all over America. The Blavatnik Family Foundation actively funds and supports young scientists of America, recognizing their efforts in the field of scientific research in physical, life sciences and engineering.
Blavatnik Family Profile
Let us take a look at the family of Blavatniks in detail:
Leonard Blavatnik’s Parents
Very little is known of Blavatnik’s parents. They were both academics and the family immigrated from Ukraine to the United States in 1978. They were very poor at the time. Blavatnik became a U.S. citizen in 1984.
Leonard Blavatnik’s Siblings – Alexander Blavatnik
Name – Alexander Blavatnik
Born – 1965
Married to – Olga Blavatnik
Alex Blavatnik, as he is known in United States, has been serving as the director of the Warner Music Group Corporation since 2011. He is also the Executive Vice President and Vice Chairman of Access Industries, along with being a director of WMG Acquisition Corp. He graduated from Columbia Business School in 1993. He joined Access Industries in 1996 in order to handle the organization’s activities in Russia. Also a philanthropist, he serves on the boards of several charitable and educational institutions.
Leonard Blavatnik’s Spouse – Emily Appelson
Leonard is married to Emily Appelson, who is an American citizen.
Children of Leonard Blavatnik and Emily Appelson
Leonard Blavatnik has two daughters and two sons. He is very careful to protect the privacy of his family. Hence, very little is known about them. In 2013, music sensation Bruno Mars was hired to perform at his teenage daughter’s bat mitzvah since she was a huge fan of the singer.
Net worth of Leonard Blavatnik
As of September 2014, Leonard Blavatnik is worth US $21.6 Billion. He was ranked the Fourth Richest Man in the United Kingdom in the Sunday Times Rich List 2014. According to Forbes, he is the world’s 39th richest person. He lives in London with his family.