1974, degree in Mining Engineering, Azeri Institute of Oil and Chemistry; 1998, PhD in Economics. Formerly: Operator, Engineer, Shift Chief and Deputy Chief of oil field, Kaspmorneft Company; 1984, General Director, Kogalymneftegas Oil Company; 1990, Deputy Minister, then First Deputy Minister of Oil and Gas, USSR; 1991, Founder and Chief Executive, LUKOIL; Vice-President, International Petroleum Congress. Since 1993, current position. Expertise: oil field development in Western Siberia. Interests: classical music.