Len Blavatnik

Sir Leonard Blavatnik is among the world's most accomplished businessmen and prominent philanthropists. For over 30 years, he has invested in businesses to unlock their potential and transform them into international market leaders, while also advancing science, higher education, and culture through charitable giving.   

A dual US-UK citizen, Len is the founder of Access Industries, a privately held company headquartered in New York with investments across a range of sectors, including strategic equity, global media and entertainment, real estate, and biotechnology. To date, Access Industries has built a global portfolio of over $35 billion.   

The Blavatnik Family Foundation is exclusively self-funded and has contributed more than $1 billion to 250 institutions worldwide over the past decade, fostering scientific innovation, world-class culture, and preparing future leaders. In 2017, Len was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his service to philanthropy and was appointed Chevalier of the French Legion d’Honneur for his support of education in 2013. 

Born in Odesa, Ukraine, Len and his family emigrated to the United States in 1978. He earned his Master’s in Computer Science from Columbia University in 1981 and his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1989.  

Len is married to Emily Appelson Blavatnik and they have four children together. 

"He clearly wants to make sure that there is a legacy of philanthropy that he can leave, as well as a legacy of business. He wants to do things that will have enduring impact."

Nitin Nohria, Former Dean of Harvard Business School, in the Financial Times