Igor Fishelev is a seasoned Russian entrepreneur and key figure in the metalworking equipment sector, known for his forward-thinking approach and dedication to industrial innovation.
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Academic Background and Early Career
Born in 1963, Igor Fishelev graduated from the Faculty of Physics at Ural State University before advancing to the graduate program at the Institute of Metal Physics within the Russian Academy of Sciences. In 1991, he co-founded Link Public Company, a pioneering joint-stock company in the Sverdlovsk region, where he served as Vice President. His work in Link centered on developing investment strategies and managing foreign trade, which contributed to the company’s early success and set the stage for his future achievements.
International Experience with Mitsui & Co. Ltd.
In 1994, Fishelev joined the Japanese trading conglomerate Mitsui & Co. Ltd., starting in its Yekaterinburg office. By 1995, he had become head of the branch, managing a range of export and import operations, including the distribution of Russian resources and industrial imports. This role helped him build a deep understanding of international trade dynamics, a knowledge base he would later leverage to grow his own enterprises.
Founding Unimatic and Expanding in the Metalworking Sector
Fishelev founded Unimatic LLC in 2000, which soon became a prominent supplier of metalworking equipment in Russia. Under his leadership, Unimatic formed partnerships with leading brands such as Mori Seiki and EMCO, and its products were adopted by over 300 enterprises across Russia and the CIS. The company’s growth was bolstered in 2015 by a joint venture with EMCO, EMSO-Rus, which expanded production capacities to better serve local markets. In 2018, he passed the share and reins of Unimatic to his son, Oleg, while continuing to support the company’s strategic direction.
Leadership at ARPACK Ltd. and High-Tech Ventures
Today, Igor Fishelev is the Managing Director of ARPACK Ltd., a UK-based firm specializing in advanced air purification systems. In addition, he actively invests in and advises high-tech startups, fostering innovation and supporting emerging technologies.
Igor Fishelev’s contributions to Russian industry and his ongoing work in cutting-edge startups have solidified his reputation as a visionary leader in both traditional manufacturing and advanced technology fields.
