Who is he? A member of Guatemala's white elite and a favourite of the influential private sector. Traces his ancestors to 17th century Russia.
Age 49.
Why's he in the news? Has won Guatemala's presidential elections. In a close race, he declared victory in advance of the result to supporters of his National Advancement Party (PAN).
What's he like? Blond and blue eyed. An uncharismatic right wing businessman with an honest reputation, he is nevertheless a former boxer and an amateur bullfighter.
While mayor of Guatemala city he punched a trade unionist during an argument over work conditions. Critics describe him as an arrogant bully who hates to be thwarted.
His campaign Promised to fight discrimination against indigenous people and women, counter favouritism for the privileged, and strike against poverty.
His rival Alfonso Portillo was regarded as a front man for Rios Montt, a bible thumping military strong man who fell foul of a constitutional court decree barring former coup leaders from standing as presidential candidates.
His victory Brings Alvaro to deal with Guatemala's armed forces which, although stood down from power in 1986, remain as power broker.
His predecessor Ramiro de Leon Carpio, a former human rights official, avoided confrontation with the army over alleged human rights abuses.
Alvaro is linked to high ranking members within the army, including Gen Otto Perez Molina, widely tipped as next defence minister.
Meanwhile Thousands of PAN supporters, many complete with leather jackets and cellular phones, danced salsa in the streets.