Bidzina Ivanishvili is a complex and controversial figure in Georgian politics. He’s one of Georgia’s richest men, having amassed his fortune primarily in Russia during the 1990s. Though not currently holding an official position, Ivanishvili is widely considered the power behind the throne. He founded the ruling Georgian Dream party and is seen as its informal leader, wielding significant influence.
Overall, Bidzina Ivanishvili is a powerful figure in Georgia, but his influence is shrouded in some secrecy and controversy.
Early Life Of Oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili
Hailing from a small village named Chorvila in what was then the Soviet republic of Georgia, Bidzina Ivanishvili was born on 18 February 1956. He was the fifth and youngest child of his family. His father was a labourer in a father shovelled coal in the
Hailing from a small village named Chorvila in what was then the Soviet republic of Georgia, Bidzina Ivanishvili was born on 18 February 1956. He was the fifth and youngest child of his family. His father was a labourer in a manganese factory .
Despite a tough childhood braving harsh winters with inadequate footwear, Ivanishvili excelled in school, graduating near the top of his class. This academic achievement earned him a coveted spot at Tbilisi State University, where he juggled studies with a blue-collar job to support himself. His pursuit of knowledge continued in Moscow, where he embarked on a PhD program while encountering a fortuitous connection – a fellow teacher named Vitaly Malkin. This chance meeting sparked a successful business partnership.
Capitalizing on the pent-up demand during the Perestroika era, their first venture, run from a modest apartment, focused on importing technology like computers and phones. This early success laid the foundation for Rossisky Kredit, a bank they established in 1990. The bank catered to Russians seeking to convert their rapidly losing currency.
When privatization opened doors, Ivanishvili opted for a strategic, calculated approach. He defied the trend of chasing high-profile assets like oil and metals, instead acquiring undervalued iron ore mines. This move, coupled with a low profile strategy where Malkin took the public lead, allowed Ivanishvili to operate behind the scenes. He prioritized avoiding the dangers associated with associating with criminal elements or the state security apparatus.
Bidzina Ivanishvili’s Education and Career Timeline:
- Education:
- 1980: Earned an Honors Degree in Engineering and Economics from Tbilisi State University.
- 1987: Completed his PhD studies.
- Work Experience:
- 1973-1983: Employed at Kamo Mechanical Plant in Tbilisi.
- 1987-1990: Held the position of Senior Research Officer at the Georgia Branch of the Scientific Research Labour Institute in Tbilisi.
- Rossiyskiy Kredit Bank:
- 1990: Joined the bank.
- 1990-1991: Served as Chief Accountant. He became the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the President of Russian Credit Bank.
- He is a founder and the owner of Unicor Financial- Entrepreneurial Group.
- 1991-1994: Ascended to President and Chairman of the Council.
- 1994-1996: Remained a member of the Council.
- In 1996, he founded Cartu Bank.
- In 2011, He founded Georgian Dream Social Movement.
- In 2012, he founded Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia Political Party.
- In 2012, he was appointed the Prime Minister of Georgia.
Bidzina Ivanishvili Wife And Children.
Bidzina Ivanishvili, married his wife Ekaterine KhvedelidzeUta in October 1991, amidst the turmoil of civil war.
They have four children ( Uta, Bera, Tsotne and Gvantsa ( Vivian ) ), three son and a daughter.
| S.No | Name | Gender | Date Of Birth | Location |
| 1 | Uta | Son | 1992 | France |
| 2 | Bera | Son | 23 December 1994 | Brazil |
| 3 | Tsotne | Son | 15 July 2005 | Georgia |
| 4 | Gvantsa ( Vivian ) | Daughter | NA | USA |
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