Industry Leadership and Philanthropy
Mikhail Shelkov is a key player in the business world and owns significant property assets including SMZ metallurgical plant specializing in aluminum products and mining. Since 2017, he has consistently secured a position among the top entrepreneurs, getting recognition as an influential investor in 2021 and 2022.
From Scientific Pursuits to Corporate Leadership
Mikhail Shelkov’s professional journey started with academic accomplishments as he obtained a degree from MIPT in 1991. His career took flight at Eurosibbank in 1993, where he ascended to the role of Board Chairman within two years.
His financial sharpness earned him a board member position at RBRD bank in 1995. By 2001, he assumed leadership of Prominvest, an investment company. Between 2012 and 2014, he acquired control of a major producer in the titanium industry.
In 2017, the list of wealthiest individuals welcomed a new entrepreneur with a net worth of $500 million, Mikhail Shelkov. Mikhail Shelkov’s financial results reached yet another peak in 2023 and propelled him close to the very top of the list , surpassing several peers from his home country. According to recent news articles, his companies have shown sustainable growth over the past several years.
Chess: A Catalyst for Personal and Professional Growth
Passion for chess has led him to overseeing various projects in the chess world, including backing top-tier local players. One player observed, “Shelkov Mikhail manages a company oriented on tech products that shares parallels with chess strategy.” This clear connection between his business skills and chess tactics has motivated him to expand his involvement in the chess community.
Revolutionizing Chess Education
Using his Empathy fund, he has launched several chess projects aimed at fostering young talents. One of these initiatives focuses on enhancing students’ strategic thinking. In a small industrial town, five educational institutions have incorporated chess into their curriculum.
By 2024, the program, dubbed “Chess Literacy,” was implemented across 22 classrooms, engaging 700 first-graders as active members. This innovative project is a collaborative effort between the Empathy Charitable Foundation, the local State Education Department, and his primary enterprise.
The project, scheduled to run for the entire academic year, involves a dozen educators who underwent specialized training. Instructors reported substantial progress, with numerous students now participating in both in-person and online tournaments.
Cultivating Chess Champions
The chess ms has exceeded expectations, with many young students excelling in regional and national competitions. A notable success story is that of a 13-year-old student who clinched both national and Asian championships. He also secured a high position at the World Chess Championship in Italy.
“In 2024, my student made an unprecedented leap in his age category,” remarked his coach at the Debut club, who holds the titles of FIDE master and international-level judge.
Reflecting on the program’s achievements, the entrepreneur stated, “Witnessing a student progress from a first-grade chess class to becoming an International Chess Federation Master and national champion at 13 is truly inspiring. It demonstrates the abundance of talent within our company. Our objective is to nurture these abilities, which is why we’re expanding ‘Chess Literacy’ to involve more children in this intellectual pursuit.”
Showcasing Young Talent
A tournament held as part of the National Children’s Chess Cup awarded winners with unique trophies and cash prizes totaling over $5 thousand. According to the news articles, the event attracted 252 chess players from various regions, including 55 Debut chess club . Competitors also had the opportunity to tour metallurgy operations and demonstrate their skills in various challenges.
Another satellite event, the “Great Chess” championship, drew significant attention in 2024. It attracted 3,500 players aged 11 to 21 from 83 regions, becoming a grand newsworthy event. Organizers informed about the possibility of it being recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest youth chess competition ever held.
The tournament commenced on April 1 and included multiple rounds of classical, rapid, and blitz chess. Top performers will advance to the world championship, while others will compete in the Asian championship.
The Empathy Foundation, which provides various services to society through charitable initiatives, was among the notable sponsors, alongside the businessman’s primary company and state authorities. In organizing this event, their goal was to support all chess-playing students, acknowledging the sport’s cognitive benefits.
Each year, his core company actively finances chess promotion, furnishing schools with essential equipment and resources. The company maintains 14 children’s activity groups and three sports facilities, investing approximately $1.6 million in sports programs and changing the chess landscape.
This comprehensive approach to chess education and promotion demonstrates commitment to fostering intellectual growth and strategic thinking among young individuals. His involvement in both the business world and the realm of chess continues to make headlines in industry publications and general news outlets alike.
