Vladislav Doronin is a global real estate developer and entrepreneur renowned for his ability to blend high-design architecture with ultra-luxury hospitality. As the Chairman and CEO of Aman Resorts and the founder of OKO Group, Doronin has spent over three decades developing landmark projects that prioritize wellness, privacy, and architectural excellence. His work spans from the iconic skylines of Moscow and Miami to serene retreats in the world’s most remote corners.
Early Career
Vladislav Doronin’s career began in the international finance and commodities sectors after graduating from Moscow State University. In 1985, he moved to Geneva and later Zug, Switzerland, where he worked for the global commodities firm Marc Rich & Co (now Glencore). According to the official biography on his website, these early experiences provided him with a unique perspective on global market trends and capital management.
In 1991, soon after his return to Russia, Doronin founded Capital Group, implementing his extensive international experience. The company became one of the most prominent real estate developers and urban transformers in Moscow. During his tenure, Capital Group pioneered the development of Class-A office spaces and luxury high-rises.
Doronin distinguished himself early on through his passion for art and starchitects; celebrity architects who push the boundaries of design. He famously commissioned the late Pritzker Prize-winner Zaha Hadid to design the Capital Hill Residence, the only private home she ever completed. This project, documented by Zaha Hadid Architects, signaled Doronin’s intent to treat real estate as a form of high art rather than just a commercial asset.
Business and Global Expansion
The most transformative phase of Doronin’s career began in 2014 when he took ownership of Aman Resorts. Doronin successfully transitioned the brand from a collection of remote retreats into a global lifestyle powerhouse. He recognized that the modern luxury traveler sought the “Aman experience” within urban environments. This led to the landmark launch of Aman Tokyo and the highly acclaimed Aman New York in the historic Crown Building on Fifth Avenue. These projects were among the highest price-per-square-foot residential offerings in New York City, demonstrating the immense brand value generated under his leadership. In 2022, the brand’s value stood at $3 billion, according to media.
Simultaneously, in 2015, Doronin founded OKO Group, a US-based firm that has reshaped the landscape of South Florida. His projects, such as 830 Brickell – Miami’s first new premium office tower in a decade – and luxury residential towers like Missoni Baia and Una Residences, are benchmarks for luxury and design excellence.
A central pillar of Doronin’s business strategy is the integration of holistic wellness. He recently launched Janu, a sibling brand to Aman that focuses on social connection and equilibrium. His ability to anticipate the “wellness-centric” shift in the real estate market has allowed OKO Group and Aman to maintain a competitive edge. Today, with a pipeline of projects extending across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, Doronin continues his path as a primary driver of innovation in the global luxury property market.
The passion behind the architecture
Vladislav Doronin’s professional achievements are deeply intertwined with his identity as a sophisticated collector and patron of the arts. His passion for design was ignited at age 16 during visits to the Hermitage Museum, where he developed a lifelong fascination with the Russian Avant-Garde. Over decades, he has curated a museum-quality private collection that he claims includes masterworks by Kazimir Malevich, El Lissitzky, and Alexandra Ekster, alongside contemporary giants such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Anish Kapoor, and Pablo Picasso.
This “collector’s eye” is evident in his real estate philosophy, where he views buildings as functional art rather than mere commodities. In his business ventures, Doronin seamlessly integrates fine art and high design into the guest experience. He has collaborated with world-renowned architects like Jean-Michel Gathy and Kengo Kuma to create the “Aman DNA” – a signature aesthetic of serene minimalism, precise materiality, and cultural authenticity. Whether it is the $1.45 billion transformation of New York’s Crown Building or the vibrant Missoni Home interiors at Missoni Baia, Doronin continues to bridge the gap between real estate development and the global art world.
