Igor Fishelev is a distinguished Russian entrepreneur renowned for his pioneering role in the metalworking equipment sector and his dedication to advancing industrial innovation. With a career that spans multiple decades, Fishelev has made a lasting impact on Russia’s manufacturing landscape, from founding Unimatic to his ongoing involvement in cutting-edge technological ventures.
Academic Background and Early Career
Born in 1963, Igor Fishelev graduated from the Faculty of Physics at Ural State University before pursuing postgraduate studies at the Institute of Metal Physics at the Russian Academy of Sciences. His academic training in physics and metallurgy provided a strong foundation for his future business endeavors. In 1991, Fishelev co-founded Link Public Company, one of the first publicly traded joint-stock companies in Sverdlovsk (now Yekaterinburg). As Vice President, he played a crucial role in shaping the company’s investment strategies and foreign trade operations, helping to establish its early success.
International Experience with Mitsui & Co. Ltd.
In 1994, Fishelev joined Mitsui & Co. Ltd., a major Japanese trading conglomerate, where he worked in the company’s Yekaterinburg office. By 1995, he became the head of the office, overseeing a variety of international trade activities, including the export of Russian natural resources and the import of industrial equipment. His experience at Mitsui deepened his expertise in global trade and provided him with a vast network of international contacts—insights that would prove invaluable when launching his own ventures.
Founding Unimatic and Expanding in the Metalworking Sector
In 2000, Fishelev founded Unimatic (initially Stankoproekt), a company that quickly became a leader in the supply and servicing of metalworking equipment in Russia. Through strategic partnerships with global brands like Mori Seiki and EMCO, Unimatic rapidly expanded its presence, delivering advanced machinery to more than 300 companies across Russia and the CIS. Fishelev’s vision and leadership were key to the company’s growth, and in 2015, Unimatic entered into a joint venture with Austrian company EMCO, known as EMSO-Rus, to increase production capacity and strengthen its position in the local market. In 2018, Fishelev transferred control of Unimatic to his son, Oleg, while continuing to provide guidance on the company’s long-term strategic goals.
Leadership at ARPACK Ltd. and Investment in High-Tech Ventures
In addition to his work with Unimatic, Igor Fishelev serves as the Managing Director of ARPACK Ltd., a UK-based company specializing in innovative air purification systems. His leadership at ARPACK is part of a broader focus on high-tech industries, as Fishelev actively invests in and advises startups that are developing cutting-edge technologies. His commitment to fostering innovation and supporting emerging tech companies continues to shape his reputation as a forward-thinking business leader.
