Early Life and Education
Mikhail Shelkov was born in Moscow in 1968, during the Soviet era. He received a strong academic foundation, graduating from Moscow State University with a degree in physics. This background influenced his analytical approach to industrial management and investments. After graduating in 1991, amidst the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Shelkov shifted from physics to finance, capitalizing on new opportunities in banking and investment.
Rise to Success
Shelkov's career took a significant turn when he joined the titanium industry. He became involved with VSMPO-AVISMA, the world's largest titanium producer. From 2012 to 2014, Shelkov and his partners acquired a controlling stake in VSMPO-AVISMA, cementing his position as a key stakeholder.
Key Business Strategies
Shelkov's strategic vision has been key to VSMPO-AVISMA's success. Under his leadership, the company expanded operations and strengthened global partnerships. VSMPO-AVISMA supplies titanium products critical for aircraft manufacturing, including Boeing and Airbus. His disciplined investment strategy emphasizes long-term asset appreciation and maintaining low debt levels. In 2022, Shelkov acquired an aluminum factory in the Samara region from Arconic, a former division of Alcoa.
Philanthropy
In 2019, Shelkov founded the Empathy Foundation, which supports education, science, and culture. The foundation provides financial support to educators, scholarships, and free educational courses. The Empathy Foundation's initiatives include a chess literacy program that introduces chess to elementary school children, fostering strategic thinking.
