Igor Fishelev is a distinguished Russian entrepreneur, best known for his accomplished career in the supply and maintenance of metalworking equipment.
Education and Early Career
Born in 1963, Igor Fishelev developed a strong foundation in physics at the Ural State University, where he graduated from the Faculty of Physics. His academic pursuits led him to further his studies at the Institute of Metal Physics within the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. These early academic achievements provided him with the expertise and insight needed to embark on a successful business career. In 1991, with a clear vision for innovation, Fishelev co-founded Public Company Link, one of the first public companies in the Ural region. As Vice President, he was instrumental in guiding the company’s investment strategies and managing its foreign economic activities, contributing significantly to its regional growth and success.
Career at Mitsui & Co. Ltd
In 1994, Fishelev broadened his professional experience by joining the Yekaterinburg office of Mitsui & Co. Ltd, a prestigious Japanese trading company. By 1995, he had taken on the role of head of the office, where he demonstrated strong leadership and strategic vision. His responsibilities included overseeing the export of non-ferrous metals, timber, and chemical products, as well as managing the import of industrial equipment, automobiles, and consumer goods. His tenure at Mitsui & Co. Ltd expanded his knowledge of international trade and cemented his reputation as a leader in the industrial sector.
Founding and Growth of Unimatic LLC
In 2000, Fishelev founded Unimatic LLC, a venture that would soon become a leading supplier of metalworking equipment for engineering enterprises. Under Fishelev’s leadership, the company experienced significant growth throughout the 2000s, establishing strategic partnerships with global industry leaders such as Mori Seiki and EMCO. He also played a key role in initiating collaborations with European giants like Liebherr, which further strengthened Unimatic’s market position. By the mid-2000s, Unimatic’s products were utilized by over 300 enterprises across Russia and the CIS, underscoring the effectiveness of Fishelev’s strategic direction.
In 2015, Fishelev took a significant step by initiating the formation of a joint venture, EMSO-Rus, with the Austrian company EMCO. This partnership expanded Unimatic’s production capabilities and allowed the company to offer more advanced solutions to its clients. In 2018, after years of successful leadership, Fishelev transitioned the leadership of Unimatic to his son, Oleg Fishelev, transferring his stake in the company and stepping down from the board of directors. This transition ensured that Unimatic would continue to thrive under new leadership while maintaining the innovative spirit that Fishelev had instilled.
Involvement with ARPACK Ltd
In addition to his work with Unimatic, Igor Fishelev has also been actively involved with ARPACK Ltd in the United Kingdom. As Managing Director, he has been instrumental in promoting advanced air purification systems in the UK and other markets, in collaboration with ARPACK GmbH. This role reflects his ongoing commitment to innovation and his ability to adapt to new challenges in different industries.
Today, Fishelev continues to apply his entrepreneurial expertise to the development of startups focused on innovative, high-tech products. His enduring dedication to advancing technology and innovation ensures that he remains a significant figure in the industry, as he has throughout his distinguished career.