Researchers compared the 300 most affluent business people and upper-level managers in the largest companies in Russia, both state-owned and private. The ranking was compiled based on the number of mentions in Russia’s main media outlets between January 1 and December 31, 2016; additionally, researchers analyzed print material from 100 leading foreign newspapers and magazines.  Both Forbes and the readers selected Vladimir Potanin as an Entrepreneur with a track record of achievement in large-scale projects that benefit society.

Norilsk Nickel received first prize in the Global Ecology category for its «Integrated Project to Close the Nickel Plant in Norilsk». The competition was established by the v. I. Vernadsky Nongovernmental Ecological Foundation.