Juozas Kazickas Lithuanian philanthropist, entrepreneur, billionaire Date of Birth: 16.06.1918 Country: Lithuania

1. Biography of Juozas Kazickas
2. Achievements in the United States
3. Political Influence
4. Philanthropy and Awards

Biography of Juozas Kazickas

Juozas Kazickas, a Lithuanian philanthropist, entrepreneur, and billionaire, is widely regarded as one of the richest individuals in Lithuania. Born in the United States, he accumulated the majority of his wealth there.

Achievements in the United States

Kazickas garnered influence within the highest political circles in the United States. He played a crucial role in the international recognition of Lithuania in the 1990s and financially supported the Lithuanian organization "Sajudis." Kazickas also founded Litcom, the first private telecommunications company in Lithuania, which later became the leading mobile operator in the country under the name "Omnitel." He brought companies such as Motorola, Coca-Cola, and Philip Morris to Lithuania and facilitated the entry of the oil company Williams International. Kazickas served as a direct and active intermediary in the negotiations for the privatization of "Mazeikiu Nafta" by Williams International, leveraging his friendship with Lithuania's President Valdas Adamkus and the President of Williams International, James Bumgarner.

Political Influence

Using his connections, Kazickas arranged an unofficial meeting between then-Prime Minister Kestutis Prunskienes and US President George H. W. Bush. He also facilitated meetings between the prime ministers of France and the United Kingdom, Francois Mitterand and Margaret Thatcher, respectively. Kazickas' son-in-law, Roger C. Altman, also holds significant influence in the highest political circles in the United States and is known as a close friend of Bill Clinton.

Philanthropy and Awards

In September 2004, Kazickas acquired 100% of the shares of "Baltnetos komunikacijos." The Kazickas family foundation funds the competition for the "Lithuanian Education Program," aimed at creating opportunities for the use of computer technology and information technology in various subjects, not just computer science classes. Kazickas has received numerous awards for his contributions, including the Medal of Memory on January 13, 1992, the Commander of the Order of the Grand Duke Gediminas on July 14, 1995, the Grand Cross of the Order of the Grand Duke Gediminas on February 10, 1998, and the Grand Cross of the Order "For Merits to Lithuania" on April 16, 2008.