Stan Polovets’ leadership of The Genesis Prize Foundation exemplifies how strategic philanthropy can foster a proud and united global Jewish community.
Stan Polovets has made a profound impact on the business and philanthropic worlds, leveraging his expertise across various industries to drive meaningful change. Born in the Former Soviet Union and later immigrating to the United States, Polovets’ journey is one of ambition, resilience, and a deep commitment to making a difference. His career has spanned sectors from energy to finance and his philanthropic work — notably through The Genesis Prize Foundation — sets him apart as a transformative figure in global giving.
Within the Jewish community, his philanthropy addresses a multitude of needs, from the more secular such as climate change and supporting those less fortunate to those that specifically address challenges within the Jewish community, like instilling pride in one’s identity. It helps ensure that Jewish values have a positive impact globally. The Genesis Prize Foundation, led by Polovets, plays a crucial role in this effort. By driving change and inspiring others, the foundation supports those in need and empowers future generations to uphold a legacy of compassion, innovation, and leadership.
The Genesis of Stan Polovets
Stan Polovets’ career began in the mid-1980s when he started as a financial analyst at ExxonMobil, a role that provided him with a strong foundation in the energy sector. He moved on to work at KPMG, where he worked on international mergers and acquisitions, and then at The RAND Corporation, one of the most respected think tanks in the world.
In 1990, after earning an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business and an MA from Stanford University in Russian and Eastern European studies, Polovets joined Ernst & Young, where he served as a senior manager specializing in international mergers and acquisitions, focusing on Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.
In 1992, Polovets founded the Russian Petroleum Investor (RPI) Group and assumed the position of its chairman and CEO. RPI played a crucial role in attracting foreign investment to the energy sector of the former Soviet Union, facilitating multi-billion investments by some of the largest oil companies in the world. His expertise led him to a role as an adviser to the CEO of Williams, a Fortune 500 company with substantial energy infrastructure across the United States.
In 2001, Stan Polovets joined TNK, and in 2003 was instrumental in creating TNK-BP, one of the largest joint ventures in the global energy sector, controlling over 18% of Russia’s oil production. His role in this biggest corporate transaction in Russian history cemented his reputation as a leader capable of navigating complex international business environments. From 2003 until 2008, Polovets served as senior vice president and board member at TNK-BP and played a crucial role in significant improvements of the merged company in the areas of corporate governance, efficiency, and profitability.
From 2008 to 2013, Polovets served as CEO of the AAR Consortium, overseeing a global energy portfolio valued at over $25 billion. This role demonstrated his ability to manage large-scale operations and drive strategic growth on a worldwide scale. He also held prominent positions at Edelman (chairman for Eastern Europe, 2014-16) and CLAL Industries (lead non-executive director, 2014-19). In 2020, Polovets took the role of chairman of Anchiano Therapeutics Ltd., a Nasdaq-listed biotech company, where he successfully oversaw a merger that generated a 630% return for shareholders within a year.
Stan Polovets and The Genesis Prize Foundation’s Legacy of Impact
Founded in 2013, The Genesis Prize Foundation honors exceptional Jewish individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to society while maintaining their Jewish identity. The Genesis Prize is awarded annually with a $1 million prize, which recipients have historically redirected to charitable causes. This unique model of giving has positioned it as a leader in the philanthropic world, driving notable social impact across various fields.
The inaugural Genesis Prize was awarded in 2014 to former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, recognizing him for his contributions to public service and philanthropy. He redirected his prize funds to establish the Genesis Generation Challenge, a global competition to inspire young social entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions to pressing social issues. This set the precedent for future laureates, who have continued the tradition of impactful giving.
In 2015, the Genesis Prize was awarded to Oscar-winning actor Michael Douglas, who used it to advocate for the inclusion of intermarried families within Jewish communities. His efforts promoted a more inclusive and diverse environment within the Jewish community. The following year, in 2016, the prize went to renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman, who directed his funds toward initiatives supporting people with disabilities and efforts to encourage a more accessible society.
Artist Anish Kapoor was honored with the Genesis Prize in 2017 for his contributions to humanitarian efforts and contemporary art. Bringing much-needed attention and resources to displaced populations, Kapoor’s prize addressed the global refugee crisis.
The Genesis Prize Foundation introduced the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, with the inaugural honor going to U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The prize funds were directed to initiatives supporting women’s empowerment, celebrating Ginsburg’s trailblazing work in civil rights and advocacy for women. And in 2019, honoree Robert Kraft paid his $1 million forward by donating the funds to organizations that aim to combat antisemitism.
Human rights activist Natan Sharansky was tapped in 2020 for a life of advocacy for religious and political freedoms. He used his prize to support organizations helping vulnerable populations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, The Genesis Prize Foundation awarded Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his inspirational work in interreligious and intercultural dialogue.
That same year, filmmaker Steven Spielberg was honored for his contributions to both philanthropy and cinema, directing his prize to organizations working toward racial and economic justice in the United States.
In 2022, Pfizer’s CEO Albert Bourla was awarded the Genesis Prize for his leadership in developing the COVID-19 vaccine. Bourla allocated his prize to support the establishment of a Holocaust museum in Thessaloniki, Greece, his ancestral home.
The Genesis Prize Foundation continued its tradition of impactful giving in 2023 by honoring Jewish activists and organizations providing critical support during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The 2024 Genesis Prize marked the foundation’s 10th anniversary and was awarded to Barbra Streisand, the iconic singer, actress, director, and author. Streisand was recognized not only for her superlative artistic talents but also for her activism for social justice causes worldwide. She chose to forgo the $1 million financial award, directing the funds to nonprofits focused on environmental protection, women’s health, combating media disinformation, and supporting Ukraine. This decision underscored the Genesis Prize’s commitment to addressing global challenges through strategic philanthropy.
Five organizations supporting the families of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza were awarded the 2024 Genesis Prize. Polovets said, “The purpose of this year’s award is not to influence policy but to raise international awareness of the hostages’ plight and provide humanitarian assistance focused on recovery, rehabilitation, and treatment.”
Stan Polovets’ vision and leadership have transformed The Genesis Prize Foundation into a cornerstone of Jewish philanthropy. By honoring those who embody the values of excellence, integrity, and social responsibility, the Genesis Prize has celebrated individual achievements and catalyzed powerful global change. As the foundation continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to the power of strategic philanthropy in shaping a better world.