Meet billionaire Vlad Doronin, the ‘Russian James Bond' behind Aman hotels: he just sold his Miami mansion for US$120 million and used to date Naomi Campbell and ex Miss Universe China Luo Zilin
Vladislav Doronin – known for being the CEO of the Aman Group, which includes the
ultra-luxurious Aman resorts and hotels – just sold his Miami home for a cool US$120 million, as reported by the New York Post.
The Russian billionaire set a record for Miami-Dade county with the sale of his estate, which used to belong to NBA legend
Shaquille O'Neal . However the sprawling estate – which boasts eight bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a pool, tennis court and more – is reportedly most likely to be torn down.
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Doronin is an international investor and property developer who works with some of the most luxurious residential, commercial and hospitality properties around the world. He has over 30 years of experience in the industry.
Doronin is no stranger to luxury. Here's what we know about the well-connected real estate tycoon.
Vlad Doronin is a Russian-born businessman
Vlad Doronin is also the chairman and CEO of OKO Group, a US-based property development company. Photo: Vlad Doronin/LinkedIn
The Russian-born entrepreneur grew up in Saint Petersburg, and left the country in the 1980s with just US$250 in his pocket, per Forbes. '[It was] roughly US$250 – I haven't adjusted for inflation – that was the most you could take with you when you left the country at that time,' he told the outlet.
He is the CEO of Aman Group
The Amanpuri, Thailand Resort. Photo: Amanpuri
If you're familiar with luxury hotels and resorts, then you've likely come across Aman – which is arguably one of the top hospitality groups in the world. Doronin has been the company's chairman and CEO since 2014. Last year, Doronin told Business Insider that the group was valued at around US$4.5 billion.
Doronin was himself an #Amanjunkie when he acquired the brand. 'When Aman came to the market, I was already a huge fan of the brand having first fallen for Amanpuri when I visited in the 90s, and I wanted to diversify my portfolio,' he told Forbes. 'I was building in Miami, looking for opportunities in New York, and making deals in Asia – I knew it made sense to have an established brand, and it was by chance that my favourite brand came to market.'
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