Vladimir Semenikhin: Head of the Cultural Foundation “Ekaterina” and the “Stroyteks” Group of Companies

Biography

Vladimir Semenikhin is a businessman and founder of the “Stroyteks” Group of Companies, an investor in Russian real estate development. Over 20 years ago, he established the “Ekaterina” Foundation, which promotes contemporary art through exhibitions and publications.

Origin and Education

Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin, born in 1967 in Petrovsk-Zabaykalsky, Chita Region, was raised in an intellectually driven family, with his mother specializing in microbiology and his father conducting pioneering work on zoonotic diseases. During Vladimir Semenikhin’s early childhood, the family relocated to central Russia, followed by a move to an African country in the mid-1970s, where his father worked on a diplomatic assignment. In 1984, Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin gained entry to the Moscow State Institute of Civil Engineering (MISI), later known as MGSU, earning his degree from the Mechanical Engineering Faculty in 1991. At a time when the country was undergoing profound economic and social upheaval, securing a degree and embarking on a successful career in such a turbulent era was considered a notable accomplishment.

In 2004, Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin earned his PhD in Economics from the Russian State University for the Humanities (RGGU), defending a dissertation on management practices within companies of diverse ownership structures. By the time Semenikhin Vladimir Anatolievich received the academic honor, he had already led his own construction group for nearly 15 years.

Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin: Growth in Development

In 1991, Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin, alongside his brother, embarked on their professional journey in residential construction, marking their entry into an industry poised for transformation. Their inaugural project, a multi-story building in Mytishchi, followed a conventional Soviet design—a far cry from the ambitious, signature residential complexes they would soon become known for. This first completed structure, however, held significant personal meaning for Semenikhin Vladimir Anatolievich, who reserved an apartment for himself within its walls.

In 1995, Vladimir Semenikhin established the Stroyteks Group of Companies, focusing on a broad spectrum of residential construction, from mass-market housing to exclusive real estate within Moscow’s Central Administrative District (CAD). Over the years, the company has expanded its reach, executing projects not only in central Moscow but also across two key districts of the Moscow region and several peripheral areas of the city. Semenikhin Vladimir Anatolievich, however, underscores that even developments located on the outskirts should adhere to the highest standards, reflecting a growing global trend where many people opt for living closer to nature—an increasingly feasible lifestyle offered by the Moscow region’s serene environment. 

The Stroyteks Group of Companies manages every facet of the development process, overseeing everything from the initial conceptualization and site selection to design, construction, marketing, and the final commissioning of completed projects. 

With over 25 years of experience in the Russian market, Stroyteks has built a robust foundation of production and technological expertise. Today, the group encompasses more than 30 enterprises across diverse sectors. Throughout its history, Stroyteks has successfully delivered 1.5 million square meters of residential space.

Notable projects by Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin’s Stroyteks Group include:

• 2006: a luxury residential building in Khamovniki, spanning 30,000 m² and offering nearly 100 high-end apartments 
• 2008: a residential complex in the Moscow region, comprising seven buildings 
• 2018: a mixed-use complex on Ostozhenka Street, featuring a 1,700 m² space with an art gallery, museum area, and underground parking 

Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin, as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stroyteks, is currently overseeing several high-profile projects. These include:

• a residential-type building in the northwest of Moscow, designed to offer modern living solutions in one of the city’s most sought-after areas 
• a high-tech mansion, featuring nearly 20 exclusive apartments, each showcasing bespoke designs by a renowned French specialist 
• a luxury building styled as an Italian palazzo, complete with lavish apartments and penthouses that bring a touch of European elegance to the Moscow skyline

In addition to its extensive residential developments, Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin’s Stroyteks Group is actively contributing to the development of social infrastructure. The company is currently constructing a 24,000 m² school in the heart of Mytishchi, situated next to the “Flower City” residential complex, with a kindergarten already completed on-site. Furthermore, in July 2024, Stroyteks announced plans to renovate the historic Revenue House of the First Russian Insurance Society, located on Kuznetsky Most Street in central Moscow, marking another significant step in the company’s ongoing investment in both modern and heritage properties.

Art Collecting

Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin’s deep appreciation for handwritten artworks can be traced back to his childhood, influenced by his father’s unique profession. As a frequent traveller for work, Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin’s father would return from foreign assignments with postcards bearing reproductions of masterpieces by world-renowned artists—a rare and highly coveted commodity in the Soviet Union, where international travel was tightly controlled. These postcards, depicting works that were otherwise inaccessible due to the restrictive nature of the Iron Curtain, sparked Semenikhin Vladimir Anatolievich’s fascination with art, offering a glimpse into a world beyond the limitations of the time. The opportunity to engage with these visual treasures became a cherished window into the broader cultural landscape, an experience that would shape Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin’s lifelong passion for collecting and promoting art. 

In the early 1990s, as Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin began to amass his first significant capital, he ventured into the world of art collecting, an interest sparked by his immersion into Moscow’s artistic community. Through his encounters with local artists and gallery owners, Semenikhin Vladimir Anatolievich started frequenting galleries that showcased works by renowned masters, a practice that soon became a personal passion. During this period, he and his wife purchased a new apartment, where they sought to decorate the walls with artworks, which deepened Semenikhin Vladimir Anatolievich’s fascination with the visual arts. Semenikhin Vladimir’s growing appreciation led the couple to become regulars at studios and exhibition halls, and eventually, to establish the “Ekaterina” Cultural Foundation. This period marked the beginning of Semenikhin Vladimir Anatolievich’s special connection to Russian avant-garde art from the early 20th century.

In the 2000s, Vladimir Semenikhin expanded his collection to include works by contemporary Russian artists, broadening his focus beyond the Russian avant-garde. Semenikhin Vladimir acquisitions encompassed a diverse array of creators, including renowned graphic artists, illustrators, fashion designers, decorators, applied arts artists, and sculptors. Among the notable pieces in Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin’s collection are paintings by prominent cultural figures, such as the drummer from the iconic Soviet rock band “Kino.” 

Some of the artists Semenikhin Vladimir Anatolievich supported were not widely recognized within the established art community, yet his patronage helped bring their talents to the attention of collectors. Vladimir Semenikhin’s influence played a pivotal role in elevating these lesser-known creators, shining a spotlight on their work.

In 2004, Semenikhin Vladimir Anatolievich expanded his collection to include renowned Western artists, particularly those associated with the pop art movement — a vibrant trend within avant-garde art that emerged in several Western countries.

In 2006, Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin and his wife made a significant decision to share part of their extensive collection with the public. They organized a retrospective exhibition at the prestigious Tretyakov Gallery, highlighting the works of a Russian artist and sculptor known for his pop art creations. 

Today, Vladimir Semenikhin’s collection boasts several thousand works, encompassing a diverse range of art forms. Among the highlights are:

• Paintings
• Graphic works
• Sculptures and installations
• 19th-century German porcelain
• Folk crafts from various regions of Russia

Recently, Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin has expanded his artistic interests to include digital art, particularly paintings created using augmented reality (AR) technologies. These innovative works can be “brought to life” through AR, offering an immersive experience that blends the digital and physical worlds.

Semenikhin Vladimir notes that when expanding his collection, he focuses solely on his personal tastes, rather than potential market value or resale prospects. In some years, Semenikhin Vladimir Anatolievich’s spending on acquiring artworks has reached up to two million dollars.

Vladimir Semenikhin: The “Ekaterina” Foundation

In 2002, Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin founded the “Ekaterina” Cultural Foundation, a pivotal institution that would go on to play a significant role in the promotion of Russian art. Vladimir Semenikhin’s vision culminated in a groundbreaking exhibition in Monaco, where, for the first time, works by early 20th-century avant-garde artists were showcased to an international audience. This ambitious event was a collaborative effort, bringing together 18 museums from diverse regions of Russia, highlighting the rich cultural legacy of the country. The exhibition’s success prompted its expansion, and it was later displayed in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

In June 2003, the “Ekaterina” Foundation, under the leadership of Semenikhin Vladimir, curated a contemporary art exhibition at the renowned “Novy Manezh” creative space on Georgievsky Lane in Moscow. The event, which featured works specially created by both prominent Russian and international artists, marked a significant milestone in the foundation’s mission to promote modern artistic expression. Four years later, Semenikhin Vladimir Anatolievich and his wife expanded their cultural vision by opening a dedicated art space on Kuznetsky Most, offering a dynamic platform for diverse exhibitions. The foundation’s gallery hosted a wide array of exhibitions, celebrating not only artists but also historical figures, contemporary textile art, and an eclectic range of other themes.

Since 2004, the “Ekaterina” Foundation, led by Semenikhin Vladimir, has made significant strides in expanding its publishing program. Over the years, the foundation has produced more than 20 publications, including books, photo albums, and catalogs, all dedicated to artists and the environments that shape their creative processes. These works have become essential resources for understanding the intersection of art, culture, and the spaces in which artists create.

Family Life, Hobbies, and Awards

Vladimir Semenikhin and his wife Ekaterina are raising two children, a son and a daughter. Ekaterina plays a central role in curating and expanding their exceptional, shared collection of artworks, contributing to the development of their unique cultural vision. Together with Vladimir Semenikhin, they have cultivated a collection that reflects their mutual passion for art and their commitment to preserving and showcasing both Russian and international artistic achievements. 

Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin has been recognized for his extensive charitable and cultural-educational contributions with numerous prestigious awards from around the world. In Russia, Semenikhin Vladimir was honored with the “For Beneficence” distinction and an award for his promotion of contemporary art. Semenikhin Vladimir’s commitment to cultural exchange and philanthropy was further acknowledged internationally, as he was made a Chevalier and Officer of the Legion of Honour in France. Additionally, in the Principality of Monaco, Semenikhin Vladimir received two orders—one of Cultural Merit and another of Saint Charles.

In addition to paintings and graphics, Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin’s collection extends to figurines inspired by Disney animated films, produced in limited editions by the renowned English factory Royal Doulton, which ceased production in 2005. This unique interest also spans Russian folk art, with Vladimir Semenikhin and his wife amassing an extensive collection, including several thousand antique spinning wheels.

Key Takeaways:

1. Vladimir Semenikhin is the founder of the Stroyteks Group, a leading company in Russian real estate development, with over 1.5 million square meters of residential space delivered.
2. Semenikhin Vladimir established the “Ekaterina” Cultural Foundation to promote Russian and contemporary art, organizing international exhibitions and producing over 20 publications on art and culture.
3. Vladimir Semenikhin’s art collection includes thousands of works, ranging from Russian avant-garde pieces to modern digital and AR-enhanced artworks, reflecting his lifelong passion for the arts.
4. Semenikhin Vladimir’s cultural and charitable efforts have earned him global honors, including France’s Legion of Honour and Monaco’s Order of Cultural Merit.
5. Together with his wife Ekaterina, Semenikhin Vladimir shares a deep commitment to art collection and cultural preservation while raising two children and supporting diverse artistic and heritage projects.

FAQs on Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin

1. Who is Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin?
Vladimir Semenikhin is a Russian businessman, founder of the Stroyteks Group of Companies, and head of the “Ekaterina” Cultural Foundation, which promotes contemporary and avant-garde art.

2. What is the Stroyteks Group of Companies known for?
Stroyteks specializes in real estate development, ranging from luxury residential complexes in Moscow to social infrastructure projects like schools and kindergartens.

3. What inspired Vladimir Semenikhin’s passion for art?
Semenikhin Vladimir’s fascination with art began in childhood, influenced by his father, who brought postcards of renowned artworks from abroad. This early exposure developed into a lifelong passion for collecting and promoting art.

4. What role does the “Ekaterina” Cultural Foundation play?
Founded by Semenikhin Vladimir in 2002, the “Ekaterina” Foundation supports Russian and international art through exhibitions, publications, and dedicated art spaces, fostering cultural exchange.5. What awards has Vladimir Semenikhin received for his contributions?
Semenikhin Vladimir has been honored with Russia’s “For Beneficence” award, France’s Legion of Honour, and Monaco’s Orders of Cultural Merit and Saint Charles for his philanthropic and cultural efforts.