Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Changemaker

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.

Recent Articles

November 6, 2024 • The Jerusalem Post

A 10 point plan for Trump from someone who worked to defeat him

Three-quarters of Israelis would vote for Trump, yet only one-quarter of American Jews did.

November 4, 2024 • ESG Dive

Genesis Prize Cofounder Stan Polovets Participates in Thessaloniki Ceremony with Presidents of Germany and Greece to Mark Beginning of Construction on the Holocaust Museum of Greece

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

Genesis Prize Founder Stan Polovets to Attend Ceremony with Presidents of Germany and Greece, Marking start of Construction of the Holocaust Museum of Greece in Thessaloniki

Stan Polovets will attend a ceremony marking the commencement of construction of the Holocaust Museum of Greece in Thessaloniki

September 9, 2024 • The Jerusalem Post

We must reject Trump’s efforts to divide the Jews

People with political acumen much greater than mine have spoken about what the election of Trump would mean for democracy, the rule of law, and America’s role in the world.

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.

August 19, 2024 • The Jerusalem Post

An open letter to Kamala Harris and Tim Walz

With the DNC underway, this letter urges Harris and Walz to reinforce their pro-Israel position and demand the immediate release of 115 hostages held by Hamas.

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

Stan Polovets' Vision for Genesis Prize: Commitment to Inspiring Global Jewry and Humanitarian Causes

Regarding philanthropy and Jewish life, few initiatives have sparked as much global interest and admiration as the Genesis Prize.

February 28, 2024 • The Jerusalem Post

Genesis Prize awarded to NGOs supporting hostages and their families

The foundation will also contribute to international awareness campaigns to ensure the plight of those held in Hamas captivity remain at the top of the global agenda.

December 7, 2023 • The Jerusalem Post

Why Henry Kissinger never got the 'Jewish Nobel Prize'

Following the passing of the eminent Jewish-American statesman, my colleagues and I were asked why Kissinger was never awarded the Genesis Prize.

November 14, 2023 • The Jerusalem Post

Today’s Washington rally will be impressive - but what about tomorrow?

Massive rallies are required at universities and media companies to demand they take action to swiftly curb antisemitism.

November 4, 2023 • New York Post

NYU hires Israel-hating professor to lead new ‘indigenous studies’ center

New York University has hired a notorious Israel-hater to lead a new center dedicated to indigenous studies, sparking outrage from top leaders at the school.

May 2, 2023 • Times of Israel

Barbra Streisand to get the 'Jewish Nobel'

Star will donate $1 million Genesis Prize to groups protecting environment, promoting women’s health, combating disinformation, aiding people of Ukraine.

January 11, 2023 • Jewish Telegraphic Agency

This year’s ‘Jewish Nobel’ is a group prize, going to Jewish activists supporting Ukraine

Genesis Prize is bestowed upon all Jewish activists and NGOs working to support the Ukrainian people in their quest for freedom, independence, and dignity.

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

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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

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The Telly Awards, 2023

The Telly Awards, 2023

Stan Polovets, Executive Producer

The Telly Awards, 2020

The Telly Awards, 2020

Stan Polovets, Executive Producer