Alexander Klyachin (Александр Клячин) is a Russian businessman, hospitality magnate and the owner of one of the largest hotel chains in the country, named Azimut. Klyachin achieved his substantial fortune mainly in the commercial real estate market of Moscow. He had particular success with acquiring land from collective farmers. One of his companies, KR Properties, transforms factories and plants into business hubs while maintaining their original exteriors. Klyachin also has vested interests in the energy field and owns a substantial stake in a Russian oil producer Exillon Energy. As in July 2018, Klyachin’s net worth amounted to around US$1.5 billion.
Education and Early Career
Born and raised in Moscow, Russia, Alexander Klyachin completed his basic schooling before enrolling at the Lomonosov Moscow State University where he graduated in 1991 with a degree in Economic Geography. Klyachin furthered his education abroad in the United States where he graduated with a degree in Geography from the Geographical Faculty of the University of Oregon in 1993. He then worked for several years as a finance executive in a range of companies. Klyachin also served as head of MIR Corporation and since 2000 he has been a member of the board of directors of KB.
Azimut Hotels
Founded by Alexander Klyachin in 2004, Azimut Hotels is a Russian hotel chain company that operates 24 hotels located in Russia, Austria, and Germany. The hotels are owned privately, on a management contract, or a long-term lease contract. The Azimut chain of hotels has over 4,200 rooms in total. Klyachin acquired Azimut’s first hotels in Kostroma, Ufa, and Samara. The following year the chain expanded to include Vadivostok, Murmansk, Astrakhan and Saint Petersburg. Azimut Hotel Saint Petersburg is the 156th largest hotel in the world. In 2006 the hotels owned by Klyachin were united under a single brand as services, rooms, and equipment were standardised across the board. By 2007 Azimut achieved a turnover of US$54 million as well as the status of being one of the largest chains in Russia. By 2008 Klyachin had expanded Azimut globally by incorporating hotels in Germany and Austria and opening a European office in Berlin.
Moscow’s Most Prominent Downtown Hotel
In 2012 Klyachin bought one of the most prominent hotels in Moscow through privatization. He acquired the 362-key Metropole Hotel for US$280 million dollars. Known as a historical and architectural heritage building in the Art Nouveau style, the building was constructed in 1901 at the initiative of Savva Mamontov, a philanthropist. In 1991 the building was completely restored and achieved a 5-star rating. It boasts 362 apartments consisting of 72 luxury suites, 10 event halls that include a conference hall that can accommodate up to 300 people, and two restaurants.
Known as a progressive businessman, Alexander Klyachin’s business model for his hotels include a SMART concept, in which minimal design is incorporated with ergonomic design and multi-functional furniture.
Personal Life
Alexander Klyachin is married and has two children. He resides in Moscow, Russia.