Mikhail Prokhorov, Russian businessman
Mikhail Dmitrievich Prokhorov (Russian: Михаил Дмитриевич Прохоров, IPA: [mʲɪxɐˈil ˈdmʲitrʲɪjɪvʲɪtɕ ˈproxərəf]; born 3 May 1965) is a Russian oligarch, billionaire, politician, and former owner of the Brooklyn Nets.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Prokhorov obtained Russian state-owned metals assets at prices far below market value in Russia's controversial loans-for-shares privatization program. His company, Norilsk Nickel, became the world's largest producer of nickel and palladium. He is the former chairman of Polyus Gold, Russia's largest gold producer, and the former President of Onexim Group. As of December 1, 2021, Bloomberg Billionaires Index estimates his wealth at US$14.0 billion and has named him the 148th richest person in the world, while Forbes Magazine lists his wealth at US$11.5 billion and the 193rd richest person in the world.In 2011, Prokhorov ran as an independent candidate in the 2012 Russian presidential election. He was third in voting, amassing 7.94 percent of the total vote. In June 2012, he declared the establishment of the new Russian political party called Civic Platform.