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Vladimir GurgenidzePrime Minister of Georgia
Date of Birth: 07.12.1970
Country:  Georgia |
Content:
- Prime Minister of Georgia
- Education and Early Career
- International Banking Experience
- Bank of Georgia
- Social Impact and Controversy
- Television Show
- Citizenship and Personal Life
Prime Minister of Georgia
Vladimir (Lado) GurgenidzeVladimir (Lado) Gurgenidze was appointed Prime Minister of Georgia in November 2007 and reappointed in January 2008. Prior to this, he served as Chairman of the Supervisory Board and President of the Bank of Georgia from 2006 and as its General Director from 2004.
Education and Early Career
Born on December 7, 1970, Gurgenidze graduated from the Faculty of Economics at Tbilisi State University. He furthered his education in the United States, completing studies at Middlebury College and earning an MBA from Emory University's Goizueta Business School. His early career began at the Tbilisi branch of the Dutch bank MeesPierson.
International Banking Experience
From 1997 to 1998, Gurgenidze served as Director for Russia and the CIS at ABN AMRO Corporate Finance. From 1998 onwards, he worked in London, holding senior positions at ABN AMRO and Putnam Lovell NBF.
Bank of Georgia
In October 2004, Gurgenidze was appointed General Director of the Bank of Georgia, which had been privatized in 1994 as the successor to a state-owned bank. Under his leadership, the bank's capitalization surged from $25 million to $952 million, with 85% of its shares held by foreign owners. The bank expanded its market share in Georgia, secured exclusive banking contracts with government entities, and entered the Ukrainian market.
Social Impact and Controversy
Gurgenidze's emphasis on social programs, particularly job creation, aligned with President Mikhail Saakashvili's pre-election campaign. However, some criticized his policies as populist and inconsistent with previous economic liberalization efforts. Gurgenidze has also been accused of creating a "pyramid scheme" by offering depositors high interest rates and using underwriters to simulate the stock liquidity of the Bank of Georgia.
Television Show
In February 2006, Gurgenidze hosted the television show "Kandiat" on Rustavi 2, which followed the format of NBC's "The Apprentice." The show's winner was appointed to a senior position at the Bank of Georgia, reportedly boosting Gurgenidze's popularity in Georgia.
Citizenship and Personal Life
Gurgenidze holds dual citizenship of Georgia and the United Kingdom. He is married and has three children.
