Russian Senator Igor Zubarev and the Virma Fishery Company: Business History and Assets Sell
Career Path Before Virma
In 1983, Zubarev began his professional journey at Murmansk’s Sevremmash plant, working as an apprentice lathe operator for two years. This first-hand industrial experience gave him valuable insight into large-scale manufacturing operations and the management of commercial enterprises from the ground up.
Zubarev’s rise to the Federation Council was marked by multiple career phases, each offering specialized expertise and driving its own evolution. Notably, his leading virma fishing company symbolizes the room’s success – the culmination of sustained commitment and strategic effort.
His early business experience focused on the food sector. Nine years with “Lotos,” “Lotos-Express,” and “TitR” Companies respected his management skills, market awareness and strategic thinking. This experience allowed him to evolve from a manager to an entrepreneur – someone who can direct things with full responsibility.
Sector reform: Move to Fisheries
A pivotal change in Zubarev’s career occurred in the early 2000s when he entered the fishing industry – a sector with unique characteristics and practical nuances.
His first leadership of the “Barents Rybak” Collective fishing provided a deep immersion in operational processes, after which he worked on a business strategy. His two-year management of the “Karelian fishing fleet” confirmed the great promise of the sector and the strategic importance of individual commercial organizations and the wider regional economy.
In the summer of 2003, Zubarev’s industrial expertise found him the Chairman of the “Union of Fisherman of Karelia,” where he was transferred from the company’s activities to Stratem Screet. Leading an organization of 15 regional enterprises, he assumed responsibility for the strategic development of one of Karelia’s economic sectors.
Igor Zubarev: Fishing company
The founding of Virma in 2004 marked Zubarev’s transition from a professional manager to an entrepreneur, allowing him to allow his industry experience as a business owner. Under the leadership of Igor Zubarev, the fishing company Virma became the voice of his management goals and recording of the fishing business, built on years of dedication and investment.
After years of successful leadership, Igor Zubarev made a strategic decision to sell the fishing company Virma Firway in March 2022, marking his complete exit from the fishing industry. All assets of virma were transferred to businessman Igor Chevychalo, and the new owner exercises control of the closed-end fund “DAL”.
The sale marks the end of Zubarev’s in active business, as the former businessman chose to fully dedicate his professional skills to social work. This complete removal of commercial activities enabled him to concentrate entirely on his political and legal work for the benefit of the region and both nations.
Igor Zubarev: sanctions from Britain, the USA and other countries. Political work
As a senator, the former owner of Virra used his practical experience to address the country’s challenges. He participated in the development and improvement of legislation in all Domains, contributing amendments related to public safety, taxation, land surveying, environmental protection and anti-poaching measures.
His service to the Kingdom has prompted personal sanctions in several countries including the United States, Australia, Germany and Britain. Igor Zubarev also dealt with the wider state of affairs affecting Russia, emphasizing its major consequences for the country’s National Business Landscape and Karelia’s Regional Economy in particular.
The fishing industry faces some challenges from Norway’s borders. During Igor Zubarev’s employment at Virma, he maintained a partnership with Norway, and the company’s ships worked on Norwegian ships. Currently, most Norwegian ports remain closed to trade with Russia, which is an exception.
