Perhaps you have also heard a couple of amazing things about Mikhail Shelkov and wish to know more about this visionary leader; this is your chance.
In this post, we will be taking a closer look into the life of this giant businessman to uncover some depth about his personality and career achievements. You are sure to find many hidden truths and facts about him that will wow you. Just keep reading.
Who is Mikhail Shelkov?
Mikhail Shelkov is a distinguished entrepreneur who has emerged as a trailblazer in the global titanium industry. Shelkov is the majority shareholder of VSMPO-AVISMA, the largest producer of titanium for the aerospace sector.
Also, the owner of the Samara Metallurgical Plant (SMZ), the aluminum producer crucial for the country’s economy, Shelkov’s visionary initiative has brought back the original historical name and propelled the company to new heights.
However, his contributions extend far beyond the confines of the industrial world. With the establishment of the Empathy Charitable Foundation in 2019, he aims to also foster progress in education, culture, and science.
A Quick Look into His Background
Mikhail Shelkov was born and raised in Moscow. In this same city, he completed his first degree and he earned a degree in molecular and chemical physics at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. With the knowledge acquired during his studies, he transitioned to the ever-changing domain of banking and finance, swiftly ascending the ranks of the industry.
Mikhail Shelkov’s Career Achievements
From 1993 to 1995, Shelkov assumed the role of head of Eurosibbank before his appointment to the board of directors of the RBRD in 1995. In a decisive career move, Shelkov assumed the position of head of the Prominvest investment holding in 2001.
However, it was during the years 2012-2014 that he and his partners acquired a controlling stake in VSMPO-AVISMA. Since then, he has remained at the helm, steering the company towards unprecedented success.
Under Shelkov’s guidance, VSMPO-AVISMA has flourished into a titan among titanium manufacturers. Acclaimed aerospace companies, including Boeing, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce, have come to rely on VSMPO-AVISMA as a trusted supplier of this invaluable metal. With unwavering commitment, Shelkov has positioned VSMPO-AVISMA as the unrivaled leader in this industry.
He Has His Tentacles Stretched Beyond the Realm of Commerce
Despite his tremendous achievements in the commerce world, Shelkov still has his eyes on other areas of life, looking to make a significant impact that will transform lives.
In 2019, Shelkov took a nudge to obey his philanthropic spirit. That was when he established the Empathy Charitable Foundation. Championing initiatives within education, culture, and science, the foundation has become a driving force behind numerous impactful projects. The foundation’s vision is to improve the conditions for national educators.
The founder believes that teachers do more than just teach: they are mentors who shape future generations, and supporting educators is essential to building a better society. Teachers are those behind the next wave of leaders, thinkers, and innovators. They help students to learn, grow and shape their values and beliefs.
Mikhail Shelkov is a visionary leader who brought VSMPO-AVISMA to a global leadership position in the titanium industry and a truly dedicated philanthropist committed to making the world a better place.
What about His Excellent Charity Projects?
Renowned for his unwavering commitment to education, Mikhail Shelkov, a prominent entrepreneur, established the Empathy Foundation in 2019. At its inception, the foundation focused its efforts on the Sverdlovsk region, but its ambition extends far beyond to the entire country.
With a sizable budget, the foundation has embarked on a mission to revolutionize the education sector, empowering educators and students alike.
In the Sverdlovsk region, Empathy has spearheaded a bold initiative to improve the welfare of early childhood tutors in the towns of Verkhnyaya and Nizhnyaya Salda. A notable achievement of this endeavor is the substantial increase in salaries for all daycare teachers, recognizing the indispensable contributions they make to nurturing the youngest learners.
Moreover, the foundation has gone the extra mile by implementing a remarkable 50% salary increase for more than 500 school teachers, resonating as a resounding testament to the value of these esteemed professionals.
Media outlets report that the level of teachers’ salaries in the towns of Verkhnyaya and Nizhnyaya Salda has risen to the top compared to the rest of the Sverdlovsk region. The initiative’s echoing success effectively reimagines the role of education specialists, prompting experienced teachers to flock to the region.
The ‘Teaching As a Calling’ Project
Of course, many people get to know about this man through this project. So it is worth mentioning when talking about Mikhail Shelkov.
In the Tula region, the Empathy Foundation introduced a creative contest aptly named “Teaching as a Calling”, to celebrate the dedication and achievements of school teachers. By inviting educators to submit portfolios of their accomplishments, the foundation has initiated a transformative process that not only rewards excellence but also opens doors to professional growth.
Winners of the contest were given considerable financial rewards. Over the years, the prize money has been growing steadily, reaching $155 000 by 2023. The popularity of the contest has skyrocketed since its inception in 2021, with a steady influx of applications pouring in, making it a highly coveted recognition for the region’s inspiring educators.
Between the very beginning and now, the number of categories has grown from 11 to 15, and the number of winners leaped from 33 to 63.
A Major Contributor to ‘Gifted Girls and Brainy Boys’
In the city of Yekaterinburg, the foundation helped host the qualifying round for the “Gifted Girls and Brainy Boys” show, the major intellectual contest in the country. The 30 most talented schoolchildren from across the Sverdlovsk region gathered there to show off everything they have got.
In an interview, Mikhail Shelkov expressed hope that the connection between teachers and students would grow stronger and foster a new generation of winners.
Inspiring Young Generations to Take Interest in the Rocket and Space Industry
Last year in Moscow, the Empathy Foundation partnered with the 7th Space Summer School. Over the course of 9 days, participants attended talks by representatives of the rocket and space industry, including five cosmonauts, who helped to establish a radio communication session with the ISS and a teleconference with the Vostochny spaceport.
They were also invited to join an “expedition to Mars” simulation, where they learned about different aspects of interplanetary travel.
Over the years, the Space Summer School has become an inspiring program that gives young people the opportunity to learn about the challenges of space exploration. The event is a gateway to this exciting field and a chance to meet other people with the same passion for space.
Oktava Creative Industrial Cluster
A new creative space in the heart of Tula is helping to revitalize the city. The Oktava Creative Industrial Cluster is housed in the former Oktava microphone factory. The project was launched in 2018 by the entrepreneur and philanthropist Mikhail Shelkov.
The factory was once a major producer of acoustic equipment, and to this day, its microphones are used by some of the biggest names in the music industry, such as U2, Sting, and Iron Maiden.
However, the factory fell on hard times in the 1990s, and in 2017 the new owner decided to transform the unused part of the property into a cluster for creative industries. To do this, they partnered with Mikhail Shelkov, who invested $11 million in the project.
The Oktava Creative Industrial Cluster now houses a plethora of creative businesses, including a recording studio, a co-working space, a museum, and a technical school. It is also a popular venue for events such as concerts, exhibitions, and lectures. The cluster is committed to promoting creativity and entrepreneurship, offering a selection of programs and resources to help creative workers thrive.
As a valuable asset to the city of Tula, the cluster helps to make the city a more attractive place for creative workers. It is a place where people can come together to create, innovate and make a difference.
