Andrew Paulson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Andrew Paulson
Born	Andrew Meredith Paulson November 13, 1958 Champaign, Illinois, United States
Died	July 18, 2017(2017-07-18) (aged 58) London, United Kingdom
Education	Yale University (BA)
Occupation	Entrepreneur

Andrew Meredith Paulson (born November 13, 1958 – died July 18, 2017) was an American businessman. He was known for creating and leading several successful media companies, especially in Russia. He also played a role in the world of chess. Andrew was the son of a well-known American professor, Ronald Paulson.

Who Was Andrew Paulson?

Andrew Paulson was an American entrepreneur who made a big impact in the media world. He was born in Champaign, Illinois. Throughout his life, he showed a talent for both creative arts and business.

Early Life and Creative Pursuits

Andrew Paulson had a diverse range of interests from a young age. He explored both science and the arts.

Exploring Science and Arts

In his younger years, Andrew worked with scientists doing medical research at places like Johns Hopkins Hospital and Yale University. He also spent time at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. While in college, he managed a classical music show on a radio station called WYBC. He also started a theater group, The New Theater Company, where he helped create and direct many plays.

A Time for Writing and Photography

Andrew Paulson studied French Literature at Yale University, graduating in 1981. He also spent time at the Yale School of Drama. For several years, he lived in cities like Berlin and Paris, where he wrote novels. Later, he worked as a photographer, taking pictures for fashion and advertising in Paris, London, and Milan. During this time, he helped start a special photography gallery called Urbi et Orbi in Paris. He also co-founded a graphic design studio named Pourriture Noble.

A Character in a Famous Play

In 1991, a famous play called La Bête opened in New York and London. Many people believe that the main character, Valère, was inspired by a young Andrew Paulson. This funny play is set in France in the 1600s. Valère's long, energetic speech in the play is very well-known and often performed. The play was shown again in 2010, with actor Mark Rylance playing Valère. Later, in 2013, another play about Andrew Paulson's life, called Virtual, or the Life and Adventures of Andrew Paulson, Entrepreneur, was performed in Moscow.

Building Media Empires in Russia

Andrew Paulson became a key figure in the media industry in Russia, creating many popular publications and online platforms.

Starting with Publishing Projects

In 1993, Andrew Paulson was invited to Russia to take photos for a report. While there, he started working on publishing magazines and newspapers in Moscow. He helped create publications like Delovie Lyudi, Ponedyelnik (a news and business weekly), and Vechernyaya Moskva (a guide to entertainment).

Creating Popular Magazines

After a challenging economic time in Russia around 1998, Andrew Paulson and his partners, Anton Kudryashov and Ilya Tsentsiper, started Afisha. This entertainment and listings magazine quickly became very popular in Moscow and St. Petersburg, guiding people to cultural events. They also launched Bolshoi Gorod in 2002, a free magazine, and MIR in 2003, a travel magazine. The Afisha Publishing House became known for its high-quality entertainment magazines. Many journalists who worked there went on to shape popular culture in Russia. A company called ProfMedia bought this business in 2005.

Leading Online Media Companies

In 2006, Andrew Paulson co-founded SUP Media with Alexander Mamut. This company grew into one of Russia's biggest online media businesses. It included popular websites like LiveJournal, which was a major blogging and social network in Russia during the 2000s. It also had Championat, a well-known sports site, and Gazeta.Ru, a popular news site. In 2009, another company, Kommersant Publishing House, bought a part of SUP Media. Andrew Paulson served as the chairman of the company's board.

Connecting with the World of Chess

In 2012, Andrew Paulson started AGON Ltd. This company received special rights from FIDE, the World Chess Federation. AGON Ltd was tasked with organizing and promoting the World Chess Championship events. The first of these events took place in 2013 in cities like London, Paris, and Berlin. In October 2013, he was chosen to be the president of the English Chess Federation. He stepped down from this role six months later.

Helping Good Causes

Andrew Paulson also served on the advisory boards for several important groups. These included charities, foundations, and technology companies, helping them with their work and missions.

His Legacy

Andrew Paulson passed away on July 18, 2017, in London. He was 58 years old. He left behind a legacy of innovation in media and a significant impact on the cultural landscape of Russia.

See also

In Spanish: Andrew Paulson para niños