Lev Avnerovich Leviev is an Israeli-Russian billionaire businessman, diamond industry magnate, investor, and philanthropist. Born on July 30, 1956, in Tashkent, Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic (then part of the Soviet Union), he immigrated to Israel with his family in 1971 at age 15. Starting as a diamond cutter in Israel's diamond district, Leviev quickly built a fortune through innovative business practices in the diamond trade. He founded LLD Diamonds and became a key figure in the industry, often dubbed the 'King of Diamonds.' From 1997 to 2018, he served as chairman and majority shareholder of Africa Israel Investments International (AFI), a conglomerate with diverse holdings in real estate, construction, textiles, and hospitality across Europe, Israel, and Africa. Leviev resided in Israel until 2007, after which he moved to London to oversee his global operations.

Leviev is renowned for his philanthropy, particularly in Jewish and Chabad-Lubavitch causes, supporting education, synagogues, and community programs in Eastern Europe, Israel, and beyond. He has been a major donor to haredi (ultra-Orthodox) initiatives and political figures, including financial support to Israeli politician Aryeh Deri. His charitable work has earned him accolades within Jewish communities, though his business dealings have faced scrutiny, including controversies over labor practices in his African operations and financial troubles at AFI during the 2008 financial crisis, leading to debt restructurings. As of 2018, Forbes estimated his net worth at $1 billion, reflecting his enduring influence in business and philanthropy.