American businessman and philanthropist Stan Polovets is known for his work in the international energy sector and for his innovative philanthropic initiatives. A Stanford-educated international business leader, Polovets has decades of experience serving as CEO and Board Chairman of public and private companies on several continents. He is the founder and chairman of The Genesis Prize Foundation, one of the leading private philanthropies in the world.
Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Changemaker
Recent Articles
March 3, 2025 • The Jerusalem Post
Actor Liev Schreiber: ‘US aid cuts are exacerbating Ukraine’s suffering’
Speaking via video from NY at a special event hosted by The Genesis Prize Foundation in Tel Aviv last week, Schreiber highlighted the devastating impact of reduced international assistance.
February 10, 2025 • Jewish Telegraphic Agency
When Argentina’s president Javier Milei was named in mid-January as the recipient of this year’s Genesis Prize, it marked the first time the $1 million annual award was given to a non-Jew.
February 3, 2025 • Cyprus Mail
Stan Polovets: Argentine President Javier Milei Named 2025 Genesis Prize Winner
This choice marks the first time in the prize’s history that a head of state has received the prestigious award, recognizing Milei’s extraordinary advocacy for Israel and pursuit of justice for Jewish victims of terror.
January 22, 2025 • Maryland Reporter
Standing in the empty fields of the Nova Music Festival site in southern Israel, Stan Polovets grapples with the weight of history.
January 14, 2025 • Associated Press
Israel’s Genesis Prize awarded to Argentinian President Javier Milei
Milei said he was honored to receive the prize and praised the resilience of the Jewish people. “This spirit is a cornerstone of the relationship between Argentina and Israel, and I will work to further strengthen our ties.”
December 3, 2024 • Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Thessaloniki breaks ground on new Holocaust museum
“The memory of this once-vibrant Greek Jewish community must never be erased,” said Stan Polovets, cofounder of the Genesis Prize, which is helping fund the museum.
November 4, 2024 • ESG Dive
Polovets was joined by the Greek and German Presidents to mark the commencement of construction of the Holocaust Museum of Greece
October 28, 2024 • ACCESSWIRE
Stan Polovets will attend a ceremony marking the commencement of construction of the Holocaust Museum of Greece in Thessaloniki
August 20, 2024 • Philanthropy News Digest
The Genesis of Change: How Stan Polovets’ Personal Journey Influences His Philanthropic Vision
Stan Polovets’ journey from the Soviet Union to the United States shaped his values and approach to philanthropy.
June 9, 2024 • The Jerusalem Post
Genesis Prize marks tenth anniversary by honoring Barbra Streisand
The $1 million “Jewish Nobel Prize” was awarded to the iconic actor, director, producer, writer, and singer in recognition of her lifelong pursuit of social justice and being a “force for good.”
June 8, 2024 • CEO World
Stan Polovets: Merging Business Acumen With Genesis Prize’s Global Mission
Stan Polovets drives global impact through The Genesis Prize Foundation, celebrating Jewish pride and humanitarian achievements with inclusive leadership.
March 27, 2024 • MSN
Regarding philanthropy and Jewish life, few initiatives have sparked as much global interest and admiration as the Genesis Prize.
Jewish Achievement
Established in 2013, The Genesis Prize Foundation fosters Jewish identity, inspires Jewish pride, and strengthens the bond between Israel and the Diaspora. As Founder and CEO, Polovets seeks to create a strong and vibrant Jewish community that is aware of its roots while looking to the future.
The Genesis Prize celebrates Jewish talent and achievement by honoring outstanding individuals who have attained international renown for their professional accomplishments, commitment to Jewish values, and contribution to improving the world. Genesis Prize Laureates include:
Michael Bloomberg, businessman and prominent philanthropist
Steven Spielberg, award-winning filmmaker and philanthropist
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
Natan Sharansky, advocate for freedom, democracy, and human rights
Barbra Streisand, renowned actor, singer, and activist
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, former Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth
Dr. Albert Bourla, Chairman and CEO of Pfizer and advocate for Holocaust Remembrance
Michael Douglas, actor, producer, and peace activist
Itzhak Perlman, violinist and advocate for individuals with disabilities
Robert Kraft, philanthropist and owner of the New England Patriots
Sir Anish Kapoor, sculptor and human rights activist
Natalie Portman, actor and social activist
Inspired by the Jewish value of tikkun olam (repairing the world), Polovets – in partnership with the Laureates – develops a unique grant-making program each year to promote a meaningful philanthropic initiative and motivate the global Jewish community to effect positive change. Since inception, the Genesis Prize has leveraged its annual $1 million award into philanthropic initiatives totaling $50 million, with grants going to 250 nonprofit programs in 31 countries, directly impacting the lives of tens of thousands of people.
Philanthropic Foundations
Polovets co-founded the Genesis Philanthropy Group (GPG), at one time one of the largest private foundations in the field of Jewish philanthropy, dedicated to enhancing a sense of Jewish identity among Russian-speaking Jews worldwide. He served as GPG’s CEO for the first seven years after its founding in 2007.
In 2006, he founded and served as the chairman of Vnimanie Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Russian children with learning disabilities and behavioral disorders.
Professional Experience
Anchiano Therapeutics Ltd., Chairman of the Board
Now part of Chemomab Therapeutics, Anchiano was a NASDAQ-listed biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of novel targeted cancer treatments.
TNK-BP, Senior Vice President, Board Member
TNK-BP was one of the largest joint ventures in the global energy industry, controlling more than 18% of Russia’s total oil production.
CLAL Industries, Lead Non-Executive Director
One of the largest diversified Israeli holding companies, with leadership positions in the local transportation, retail, cement, high tech, and biotech industries.
Ernst & Young, Senior Manager for Eastern Europe and FSU
Ernst & Young is one of the largest professional services firms in the world.
KPMG, Management Consultant
KPMG is one of the largest professional services firms in the world.
Alfa-Access-Renova (AAR) Consortium, CEO
AAR was a private equity firm with a global energy portfolio valued in excess of $25 billion.
L1 Energy, Lead Non-Executive Director
L1 Energy is the oil and gas investment vehicle of LetterOne, a leading private equity firm with holdings in banking, telecommunications, retail, and infrastructure.
Edelman, Chairman, Russia and Eastern Europe
World’s largest independent global communications and public relations firm.
ExxonMobil, Financial Analyst
ExxonMobil is the largest oil and gas corporation in the world.
Russian Petroleum Investor (RPI) Group, CEO
Boutique communications and consulting firm. Flagship publications – Russian Petroleum Investor and Caspian Investor – continue to be published by Thomas Reuters.
Affiliations
New York University
Member, President’s Global Council
Board Member, Tandon School of Engineering
Council on Foreign Relations
Member
Hoover Institution, Stanford University
Former Member, Board of Overseers
Education
- Stanford University, MBA and MA, 1989
- California State University, Northridge, BS, 1985
Awards
