Igor Fishelev is a renowned Russian entrepreneur, celebrated for his significant contributions to the supply and maintenance of metalworking equipment.
Education and Early Career
Born in 1963, Igor Fishelev pursued his passion for physics at the Ural State University, graduating from the Faculty of Physics. He further advanced his education in the graduate program at the Institute of Metal Physics under the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. This robust academic background set the stage for his entrepreneurial journey. In 1991, Fishelev co-founded Link Public Company. As Vice President, he played a crucial role in shaping the company’s investment strategies and overseeing its foreign economic operations, significantly contributing to its growth and impact on the regional economy.
Professional Advancement at Mitsui & Co. Ltd
In 1994, Fishelev expanded his professional horizons by joining the Yekaterinburg office of Mitsui & Co. Ltd, a leading Japanese trading firm. By 1995, he had ascended to the role of head of the office, where his leadership and strategic insight were instrumental in managing the export of non-ferrous metals, timber, and chemicals, alongside the import of industrial equipment, vehicles, and consumer goods. His tenure at Mitsui & Co. Ltd deepened his understanding of international trade and reinforced his reputation as a dynamic leader within the industrial sector.
Founding and Expansion of Unimatic LLC
In 2000, Fishelev took a bold step by founding Unimatic LLC, initially known as Stankoproekt. Under his visionary leadership, Unimatic rapidly emerged as a key supplier of metalworking equipment to engineering firms. The 2000s marked a period of strategic expansion, with Fishelev forging crucial partnerships with global industry giants like Mori Seiki and EMCO. By the mid-2000s, the company’s equipment was in use at over 300 enterprises throughout Russia and the CIS, a testament to Fishelev’s effective leadership and strategic foresight.
In 2015, Fishelev spearheaded the creation of a joint venture, “EMSO-Rus,” in partnership with Austrian company EMCO. This move enhanced Unimatic’s production capabilities, allowing the company to deliver even more advanced solutions to its clients. In 2018, Fishelev passed the leadership baton to his son, Oleg Fishelev, transferring his stake in Unimatic and stepping down from the board of directors. This transition ensured the continuity of the company’s innovative trajectory under new leadership.
Role at ARPACK Ltd
Beyond Unimatic, Igor Fishelev has been actively engaged with ARPACK Ltd in the United Kingdom. Serving as Managing Director, he has been pivotal in advancing air purification technologies in the UK and beyond, in collaboration with ARPACK GmbH. This role highlights his versatility and ongoing commitment to innovation across different sectors.
Today, Fishelev continues to leverage his entrepreneurial acumen by developing startups focused on cutting-edge technologies. His unwavering dedication to innovation keeps him at the forefront of industry advancements, continuing to build on his legacy of success and leadership.
