Growing up in Findlay, Bowling Green State University alumnus Bruce Misamore did not expect to work in
the oil industry, let alone fight court battles against the former president of Russia.
"I tell people that is what I do for a hobby – sue (Vladimir) Putin," Misamore said during a
phone interview with the Sentinel-Tribune.
Misamore retired in 2005 as chief financial officer of YUKOS Oil Company in Moscow, the world’s fourth
largest oil company.
But Misamore’s work in the oil industry continues today as he is fighting against Putin and the Russian
Federation for attempts to take over YUKOS.
The legal battles have taken place in countries all over the world, including the U.S.
"The Russians have tried to come after me even here in Houston," he said.
Misamore, now of Houston, graduated with a finance degree from BGSU in 1972 and immediately went into the
Master of Business Administration program. He taught finances for a year at the university and then
worked as a portfolio manger for the former Toledo Trust.
He first broke into the oil industry working for Marathon Oil in Findlay. He held positions in London and
Houston and was also in charge of corporate finance for about 10 years.
Misamore has also held executive positions with USX Corporation, Pennzoil and PennzEnergy.
He was happily retired when he heard about the job opportunity with YUKOS.
"I did not want to go back to work unless it was something quite interesting and I could make a big
impact. And this fit the bill," Misamore said.
He started with YUKOS in 2001.
When he took the job, Misamore thought the country was headed toward democracy under then-President
Vladimir Putin.
"Mr. Putin seemed to support westernization and democratization during his first term
(2000-2004)," Misamore said.
But toward the end of his first term, "It became quite clear that he thought the government’s role
in Russia was not as it should be," Misamore said.
"He believed in a very strong, autocratic government," he said.
Putin got rid of regional government leaders elections "and then he just reversed a lot of the
westernization going on."
And Putin also pushed for control of YUKOS, which Misamore said led to his boss being arrested in 2003 on
"bogus charges" with political motivation. His boss is now serving a 14-year prison term.
But despite the arrest, Misamore continued to work for YUKOS "until it became very obvious that
Russia was trying to steal the company," he said.
He left the country after he was threatened and told he would be arrested.
"I don’t travel internationally except to the U.K. because they have assured my safety,"
Misamore said.
If he were to step foot in Russia, he would be arrested immediately on "bogus charges."
"They would love to get their hands on me for political purposes.
Aside from his work in the oil industry, Misamore was very involved with music while at BGSU and
continues to donate to various programs.
"I want other students to have the same opportunities I had," he said.
He played tuba in the symphonic, concert and marching bands and string bass in the symphonic orchestra.

He came to BGSU as a music major, and then switched to pre-law, before finding his niche in finance.
Misamore has also served as a member of the BGSU Foundation Board of Directors since 2006 and is the
Foundation’s treasurer and a member of its executive committee. He also serves on the BGSU
Foundation/University Board of Trustees Joint Investment Committee and is a member of the Presidents
Club, Dean’s Council of the College of Business Administration, National Campaign Steering Committee and
a past president of the BGSU Alumni Band.