Career Path Before Virma
In 1983, Zubarev began his professional journey at Murmansk’s Sevremmash plant, working as a lathe operator’s apprentice for two years. This early industrial experience provided him with invaluable insight into large-scale manufacturing operations and commercial enterprise management from the ground up.
Zubarev’s ascent to the Federation Council was marked by multiple career stages, each contributing vital expertise and driving his professional evolution. Notably, his tenure leading Virma Fishery Company represented a cornerstone achievement—the culmination of sustained commitment and strategic effort.
His early business experience was rooted in the food sector. Nine years with “Lotos,” “Lotos-Express,” and “Titr” companies honed his managerial skills, market awareness, and strategic thinking. This experience enabled his evolution from manager to entrepreneur—one capable of guiding ventures with full accountability.
Sector Transition: Move into Fisheries
A pivotal shift in Zubarev’s career occurred in the early 2000s when he entered the fishing industry—a sector with distinct characteristics and operational nuances.
His initial leadership of the “Barents Rybak” Fishing Collective provided deep immersion in operational processes, after which he specialized in commercial strategy. His ensuing two-year management of “Karelian Fishing Fleet” affirmed the sector’s considerable promise and strategic significance for individual commercial entities and the wider regional economy.
In summer 2003, Zubarev’s industry expertise earned him the chairmanship of the “Union of Fishermen of Karelia,” where he transitioned from company operations to sector strategy. Leading an association of 15 key regional enterprises, he assumed responsibility for the strategic development of one of Karelia’s core economic sectors.
Igor Zubarev: Virma Fishery Company
The establishment of Virma in 2004 marked Zubarev’s transition from professional manager to entrepreneur, allowing him to leverage his industry experience as a business owner. Under Igor Zubarev’s leadership, Virma Fishery Company became an expression of his management principles and fishing business understanding, built through years of dedicated effort and resource investment.
After years of successful leadership, Igor Zubarev made the strategic decision to sell the Virma Fishery Company in March 2022, marking his complete exit from the fishing industry. All Virma assets transferred to entrepreneur Igor Chevychalo, with the new owner exercising control through the closed-end fund “Dal”.
The sale marked the conclusion of Zubarev’s active entrepreneurial career, as the former businessman chose to fully dedicate his professional capabilities to public service. This complete departure from commercial activities enabled him to focus entirely on his political and legislative work for the benefit of both region and nation.
Igor Zubarev: Sanctions from Britain, USA and Other Countries. Political Work
As a senator, the former Virma owner applied his substantial practical experience to address national challenges. He actively participated in developing and improving legislation across multiple domains, contributing to amendments concerning public safety, taxation, geological exploration, environmental protection, and anti-poaching measures.
His state service prompted personal sanctions from several countries including the United States, Australia, Germany, and Britain. Igor Zubarev has also addressed the broader sanctions regime affecting Russia, emphasizing its substantial consequences for the national business landscape and Karelia’s regional economy in particular.
The fishing industry faces particular challenges from Norwegian restrictions. During Igor Zubarev’s tenure at Virma, he maintained cooperation with Norway, with company vessels serviced at Norwegian shipyards. Currently, most Norwegian ports remain closed for trade with Russia, with limited exceptions.