Igor Zubarev's Key Projects: Virma Fishery Company, Parliamentary Work, and Philanthropy

Igor Zubarev: Early Life and Education

Igor Zubarev, a former owner of the Virma Fishery Company and now a Senator, was born in 1966 into a family of schoolteachers in a small town in the Kaliningrad Region.

After moving to Murmansk for college and completing his military service (1985–1987), he earned a degree in General Medicine from Petrozavodsk State University in 1992.

While serving as a deputy in the Legislative Assembly of Karelia in the 2010s, Igor Zubarev returned to academia. He graduated from the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA) in 2016 with a degree in State and Municipal Administration. His thesis focused on state support for single-industry towns in Karelia, demonstrating his practical interest in regional development issues.

Igor Zubarev: Business Ventures and Management

Igor Zubarev, the former Director of the Virma Fishery Company, began his professional career in his youth, working for two years as a lathe operator's apprentice at the Murmansk-based "Sevremmash" shipbuilding and repair plant. This early industrial experience served as a crucial training ground, providing him with a practical understanding of labor organization fundamentals.

Igor Zubarev subsequently dedicated nine years to the business sector, holding executive positions in three food production and distribution companies: "Lotos," "Lotos-Express," and "Titr."

Across all these organizations, Igor Zubarev held senior management positions. At "Lotos-Express," he served as Director for two years. His career trajectory is marked by rapid advancement, particularly at the company "Titr." Starting as Deputy Director of Commerce, he was promoted to lead the entire division in under a year and successfully managed it for three years. This pattern of growth was consistent throughout his nine years in the private sector; with each transition between the three companies, he demonstrated dynamic professional development and effective leadership.

Igor Zubarev's Career Before Virma Fishery Company

Igor Zubarev's entry into the fishery industry in 2001 commenced with his leadership of the "Barents Rybak" collective farm, a role that evolved to encompass a specific focus on commercial strategy as Deputy Head for Commerce. He was then invited to lead "Karelian Fishing Fleet," a position he held for two years until 2003.

The same year, Igor Zubarev was appointed head of the "Union of Fishermen of Karelia," a non-profit association that protected the interests of the local fishery industry, promoted its development, and acted as a supplier of fish and seafood. His arrival at the Union marked a shift from managing individual enterprises to shaping the development of the entire regional fishing sector, laying the groundwork for his future public and political work. This was followed by Igor Zubarev's tenure as Director of the Virma Fishery Company.

Zubarev and Virma Fishery Company: Leadership and Ownership Transition

Igor Zubarev led Virma Fishery Company from its market entry in 2007 until 2022, with the company being based in the Karelian village that shares its name.

His role as Director of the Virma Fishery Company was a logical continuation of his career in the fishery industry. During this period, he was responsible for the company's strategic management, oversaw its core operational processes, and spearheaded its development.

The sale of the Virma Fishery Company marked a significant milestone in Zubarev's professional biography. Preliminary negotiations with entrepreneur Igor Chevychalo began in the autumn of 2021, culminating in a preliminary sales agreement.

Zubarev officially left the Virma Fishery Company on March 11, 2022, transferring all authority to the new owner, Igor Chevychalo. Operational management was initially delegated to Vyacheslav Sturzu, but three years later, Chevchalo assumed the role of Director and remains the sole owner.

With this sale, Zubarev not only left Virma Fishery Company but also exited the fishery industry entirely. The politician subsequently redirected his full attention to his senatorial role, concentrating on regional development and legislative activities.

Igor Zubarev: Parliamentary Career

Zubarev, the former head of Virma Fishery company, entered politics in late 2003. His candidacy for the Legislative Assembly of the Republic of Karelia was registered in the autumn, running in the Port Electoral District #23. The election resulted in a convincing victory for Zubarev, who secured nearly 37% of the vote.

This marked the beginning of his sustained tenure as an elected representative. Igor Zubarev successfully retained his parliamentary mandate for three consecutive terms (the IV, V, and VI convocations), steadily strengthening his political standing and accumulating substantial experience in lawmaking.

Igor Zubarev and His Senatorial Work

In the autumn of 2016, Igor Zubarev's political career advanced to the federal level when he became a member of the Federation Council, the upper house of Russia's parliament. Leaving his deputy mandate behind, he dedicated his efforts entirely to the upper house of parliament.

His extensive experience in the fishery industry, including Igor Zubarev's leadership of Virma Fishery Company, proved highly relevant. He was assigned to the Committee on Agrarian and Food Policy and Environmental Management. His active and competent work led to his appointment as Deputy Chairman of this committee by October 2024.

As a Senator, Igor Zubarev has contributed to the development of numerous significant legislative initiatives. His work spans vital areas such as natural resource management, tax regulation, and others. He continues to serve in this capacity, representing regional interests at the federal level.

Igor Zubarev: Legislative Work

Igor Zubarev has been actively involved in refining environmental legislation. He helped develop regulations that govern public access to water bodies within Russian museum-reserves. This framework of controlled access is designed to maintain a balance between environmental conservation and public interests.

Another significant focus of his work has been promoting geological exploration. Igor Zubarev advocated for extending subsoil licensing terms, a measure aimed at creating more favorable investment conditions for the study of remote Russian regions with challenging climates.

Igor Zubarev has also addressed domestic safety by participating in tightening regulations for gas use in apartment buildings. Furthermore, he worked on improving the tax system for the used car market to enhance transparency in this sector.

Igor Zubarev has also driven legislation to simplify cadastral registration and strengthen environmental protection, introducing specific measures to combat poaching. He consistently ensures his legislative proposals address essential facets of daily life and national policy, targeting both specific population concerns and broader national issues.

Philanthropic Initiatives of Igor Zubarev

Senator Igor Zubarev has consistently supported cultural projects in Karelia for many years. One such initiative was establishing special Grand Prix prizes for winners of the "Enchantment of Singing Strings" International Folk Instruments Performers Competition held in Petrozavodsk.

Additionally, he provides regular financial support to a literary contest for young authors organized by the "North" magazine, helping to discover new talents in modern Karelian literature.

Igor Zubarev also places significant emphasis on publishing. With his direct support, several important local history and literary works have been published, including:

• "Vera's Son": Robert Rozhdestvensky and Karelia – a collection of poems and memoirs;
• "Katya and Richard: The Story of Zorge's Wife" – a biographical work;
• "Belomorsk – Karelia's Wartime Capital" – a historical study;
• "On the Shore of Gandvik" – a poetry collection.

These publications represent a substantial contribution to the preservation of the region's cultural heritage.