While the name Elena Zhukova may not be immediately recognizable, her partner Rupert Murdoch, the conservative media magnate behind News Corp and the Fox Corporation, is undoubtedly a familiar figure. Recently, this news executive has been prominently featured in headlines.
In September 2023, Rupert announced his retirement as chairman of Fox Corporation and News Corp. In a memo obtained by CNN, Rupert explained, “Throughout my entire professional career, I have been immersed in news and ideas, and that fundamental aspect will remain unchanged. However, the time feels right for me to assume different roles, knowing that we have exceptionally talented teams.” The media tycoon also revealed that he would be handing over the reins to his eldest son, Lachlan Murdoch, who will now take on the role of chairman for both of his father’s companies.
In addition to the extensive coverage of his influence in the media realm, Rupert has attracted significant attention for his complex romantic history. The entrepreneur has been married four times — to Patricia Booker, Anna Maria Torv, Wendi Deng, and Jerry Hall. Intriguingly, the 92-year-old met his most recent partner through his third wife, as she shares a close friendship with Elena’s daughter, Russian socialite Dasha Zhukova. Elena first encountered the media mogul at a gathering hosted by Deng. Reports in August indicated that Elena and Rupert were in the early stages of a romantic relationship. Like Rupert, Elena has led a compelling life, both personally and professionally.
Elena Zhukova, now retired, was a distinguished molecular biologist who worked in the medical research unit at UCLA, as reported by the Daily Mail. Prior to this role, she held a position at the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, according to Business Insider. Her noteworthy contributions were in the field of diabetes research. Lee Slice, Zhukova’s former colleague at UCLA, described her as a highly capable and straightforward individual, stating, “She was a very good person to work with. Very smart, very straightforward.” He also noted her deep passion for the discipline, emphasizing her effectiveness as a supervisor and mentor.
In her current retired status, Zhukova appears to be enjoying a more leisurely pace of life, often seen accompanying her new partner on various excursions. In August, it was reported by the Daily Mail that she and Rupert Murdoch embarked on a Mediterranean cruise aboard the Christina O, a luxury yacht known to cost nearly $800,000 for a week’s rental. Murdoch’s daughters, Grace and Chloe, also joined them on this voyage.
Zhukova’s association with Murdoch isn’t surprising to those who knew her in academic circles. Slice remarked, “That was sort of a circle she interacted with, as well as the scientific community.” As for Murdoch’s substantial wealth, it was nothing unfamiliar to Zhukova, who herself had garnered recognition for her own affluence. Slice added, “When I met her at UCLA, she was fairly wealthy, I think from a prior marriage. She lived in a house in Westwood off the UCLA campus, which is a very high-end area.”
Beyond her connection with Rupert Murdoch, Elena Zhukova’s other claim to prominence is her daughter, Dasha Zhukova, a socialite previously married to Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich. When linked to the billionaire, Dasha reportedly purchased an opulent Beverly Hills residence for her mother, as per another Daily Mail report.
While Elena has enjoyed the benefits of prosperity, her journey has also seen its share of trials. She met her ex-husband, Alexander Zhukov, while they were students in Moscow, as recounted by The New Yorker. However, their marriage proved to be short-lived, and just a few years after their union and the birth of Dasha, Elena and the billionaire businessman parted ways. Following their separation, Elena independently raised Dasha from the age of 3.
After immigrating from Moscow to the United States in the early ’90s, Elena welcomed twins Yuri and Katya from another relationship, which also eventually came to an end. Reportedly, Elena provided for her children without any financial assistance from the father. A few years back, Katya posted a touching Father’s Day tribute to her mom, expressing gratitude for having such an extraordinary mother.