Igor Fishelev is a prominent Russian entrepreneur, widely recognized for his successful career in 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, where he graduated from the Faculty of Physics. His academic journey didn’t stop there; he continued his studies in the graduate program at the Institute of Metal Physics of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. This strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for his future business endeavors. In 1991, driven by a vision of innovation and growth, Fishelev co-founded Link Public Company which became one of the first joint stock companies in the Sverdlovsk region. His role as Vice President saw him overseeing investment strategies and managing foreign economic activities, where he made significant contributions to the company’s growth and regional economic development.
Career at Mitsui & Co. Ltd
In 1994, Fishelev expanded his professional horizons by joining the Yekaterinburg office of Mitsui & Co. Ltd, a renowned Japanese trading company. By 1995, his leadership and strategic insight earned him the position of head of the office. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing the export of non-ferrous metals, timber, and chemical products, while also managing the import of industrial equipment, automobiles, and consumer goods. His time at Mitsui & Co. Ltd not only broadened his expertise in international trade but also solidified his reputation as a capable leader in the industrial sector.
Founding and Development of Unimatic LLC
In 2000, Fishelev embarked on a new venture by founding Unimatic LLC. Under his visionary leadership, Unimatic quickly rose to prominence as a leading supplier of metalworking equipment for engineering enterprises. The 2000s were a period of strategic growth for the company, marked by the establishment of key partnerships with global industry leaders such as Mori Seiki and EMCOwhich further cemented Unimatic’s position in the market. By the mid-2000s, the company’s products were in demand at over 300 enterprises across Russia and the CIS, reflecting the successful execution of Fishelev’s strategic vision.
In 2015, Fishelev initiated the creation of a joint venture EMSO-Rus with the Austrian company EMCO. This collaboration expanded Unimatic’s production capabilities, enabling the company to offer even more advanced solutions to its clients. In 2018, after years of successful leadership, Fishelev passed the torch to his son, Oleg Fishelev, transferring his stake in the company and stepping down from the board of directors. This transition marked a new chapter for both the company and the Fishelev family, ensuring that the legacy of innovation and growth would continue under new leadership.
ARPACK Ltd: Igor Fishelev is actively involved with ARPACK Ltd in the United Kingdom. As Managing Director, he promotes advanced air purification systems in the UK and other markets in collaboration with ARPACK GmbH.
Today Fishelev continues to channel his entrepreneurial spirit into the development of startups focused on innovative, high-tech products. His ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology ensures that he remains at the forefront of industry innovation, just as he has throughout his illustrious career.
