Born in 1971 in Kryvyi Rih (now Ukraine), Andrei Filatov is a Russian infrastructure magnate whose personal passions—particularly chess—have become as famous as his massive business ventures. His early life was characterized by a simultaneous pursuit of rigorous physical training and intellectual mastery. He attended a Sports School and became a Candidate for Master of Sport of the USSR in chess.

This dual focus on physical and mental discipline continued through his education. He graduated from the Belarusian State University of Physical Training in 1993, specializing in Teaching Physical Training and Chess. This unique academic path provided him with a profound understanding of strategic thinking, long-term planning, and global competition—the perfect toolkit for the high-stakes, strategic world of privatization and infrastructure investment that was emerging after the Soviet collapse.

Andrei Filatov’s entry into business was based on his strong network and strategic acumen. In 1996, he co-founded Severstaltrans with partners Konstantin Nikolaev and Nikita Mishin. The company quickly became a crucial player in the Russian infrastructure and logistics sector, dealing with shipping, rail, and port operations. Severstaltrans was later rebranded as N-Trans in 2008.

Filatov's wealth is rooted in the success of these logistical ventures, particularly their stake in Global Ports, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a major operator of container terminals across Russia and the Baltics. His strategic focus was on ensuring the efficient transportation of raw materials (like coal and oil) and consumer goods, making him a critical gatekeeper of Russia's global trade routes. In 2014, Filatov consolidated his other private investment assets (excluding Global Ports and railway firms like Globaltrans and Transoil) into the Tuloma Investment Company, giving him a clear vehicle for continued investment in various Russian stocks and development projects. Simultaneously, he has dedicated himself to the world of chess, becoming the President of the Russian Chess Federation in 2014.

Andrei Filatov is a renowned cultural and sports philanthropist, with an intense focus on preserving Russian and Soviet art and, most notably, chess. His contributions to the world of chess are monumental and often driven by deep personal commitment.

He is the President of the Russian Chess Federation and a major sponsor of tournaments, including the World Chess Championship 2012 held in Moscow. He financed the restoration of the Paris tombstone of the fourth world champion, Alexandre Alekhine. In the art world, he is an Honorary Academician of the Russian Academy of Arts, having been recognized for his contributions to the promotion of Russian and Soviet art. His giving is a sophisticated form of cultural patronage, using his wealth to preserve Russia's intellectual and artistic heritage on a global stage.

Andrei Filatov’s style is that of a Russian magnate with sophisticated intellectual pursuits—polished, conservative, and often featuring a nod to his cultural interests. He favors impeccably tailored business suits for corporate life but also presents a more relaxed, intellectual image when engaging in his passion for chess and art patronage.

His lifestyle is characterized by a blend of high finance and high culture. He is a major collector of Russian and Soviet art, a passion that drives his cultural patronage. His travel is a mix of managing his logistics empire and attending global chess competitions. His luxury is the freedom to devote immense capital to both profitable infrastructure and deep cultural preservation, positioning him as an intellectual who conquered the world of raw commerce through superior strategic vision.