LeaderPortfolio
Kim
Vladimir Kim
Rank #690
KAZAKHSTANMetals & MiningMining

Vladimir Kim

Net Worth
$5.947B
0% (24h)
Vladimir Kim is a prominent Kazakhstani businessman, born on October 29, 1960. He is of Korean descent and is known as the richest person in Kazakhstan. Kim's wealth primarily comes from his significant stake in copper mining enterprises. He holds approximately 63.5% ownership in KAZ Minerals PLC, a major copper producer. Kim's career includes executive roles at Kazakhmys, where he orchestrated a management buyout. He is also involved in Bank RBK. His estimated net worth is $5.9 billion as of 2024. He has been the richest person in Kazakhstan for several years, a testament to his business acumen and financial success. Kim's background also includes an academic foundation, holding degrees in civil engineering, economics, and business administration.

How to read Vladimir Kim's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Vladimir Kim, we anchor the narrative to Mining and Mining, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $5.947B alongside global rank #690, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (KAZAKHSTAN) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life and Education

Vladimir Sergeyevich Kim was born on October 29, 1960, in Myrzakent, Kazakhstan. His family is of Korean descent, part of the Koryo-saram community. He graduated from the Kazakh Leading Academy of Architecture and Civil Engineering in 1982 with a degree in civil engineering. Kim furthered his education with an MBA and a PhD in business and administrative management from John F. Kennedy University in California in 1998.

Rise to Success

Kim's career began in the construction sector before he entered the mining industry in 1995, joining Kazakhmys. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming chairman. Under his leadership, Kazakhmys expanded and listed on the London Stock Exchange. After restructuring, Kim focused on KAZ Minerals, a major copper producer. He holds a significant ownership stake, which has contributed to his substantial wealth.

Key Business Strategies

Key business strategies included strategic acquisitions and restructuring of the mining operations to focus on high-grade assets. This helped to increase copper output and expand the company's influence in the mining sector, establishing him as the richest person in Kazakhstan.

Philanthropy

Kim has established the Vladimir Kim Foundation, which supports education, healthcare, and cultural initiatives in Kazakhstan.

Career Timeline

2023

Purchased a Stake in Hitech Grand Prix

Acquired a 25% stake in the Hitech Grand Prix motor racing team.

2013

Stepped down as Chairman of KAZ Minerals

Stepped down as chairman of KAZ Minerals, but remained a non-executive director.

2005

Chairman of Kazakhmys

Became Chairman of Kazakhmys upon its listing on the London Stock Exchange.

2000

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zhezkazgantsvetmet

Elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zhezkazgantsvetmet.

1995

Managing Director and CEO of Zhezkazgantsvetmet JSC

Appointed managing director and CEO of Zhezkazgantsvetmet JSC, a core subsidiary of Kazakhmys.

Philanthropic Impact

SocialUnknown

Vladimir Kim Foundation

Supports education, healthcare, and cultural initiatives in Kazakhstan.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
KAZ Minerals PLC63.50%$3.6M

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life and Education

Vladimir Sergeyevich Kim was born on October 29, 1960, in Myrzakent, Kazakhstan. His family is of Korean descent, part of the Koryo-saram community. He graduated from the Kazakh Leading Academy of Architecture and Civil Engineering in 1982 with a degree in civil engineering. Kim furthered his education with an MBA and a PhD in business and administrative management from John F. Kennedy University in California in 1998.

Rise to Success

Kim's career began in the construction sector before he entered the mining industry in 1995, joining Kazakhmys. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming chairman. Under his leadership, Kazakhmys expanded and listed on the London Stock Exchange. After restructuring, Kim focused on KAZ Minerals, a major copper producer. He holds a significant ownership stake, which has contributed to his substantial wealth.

Key Business Strategies

Key business strategies included strategic acquisitions and restructuring of the mining operations to focus on high-grade assets. This helped to increase copper output and expand the company's influence in the mining sector, establishing him as the richest person in Kazakhstan.

Philanthropy

Kim has established the Vladimir Kim Foundation, which supports education, healthcare, and cultural initiatives in Kazakhstan.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Vladimir Kim are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.