Shunyaev Sergei

Shunyaev Sergei

Biography

Sergey Shunyaev was born in 1963 in Moscow.

He graduated from the Moscow Institute of Electronic Engineering. Since 1987 he worked at the IKI RAS.

In 1990, he left to work under a contract in Hungary, where he spent five years. In 1995, Sergey Shunyaev headed the computer department of DVM-Systems.

90s - mid-2000s: "White Wind" and Rover Computers

He stood at the origins of the creation of the Russian computer company "White Wind." Since 1997 - co-president of the concern. "White Wind" at that time consisted of several divisions: production, distribution, retail, corporate projects, information and technical, computer equipment service.

The production division of the company produced laptop computers, desktops, monitors, PCMCIA boards under the Rover Computers brand and was the official OEM partner of Intel, Microsoft and Toshiba. Initially, computers were produced in Asia, but subsequently the company had production lines in Moscow and Alexandrov, Vladimir Region.

In 2002, Rover Computers separated into an independent structure from White Wind^[1]. The company's turnover for 2002 amounted to 5 billion rubles^[2]. At that time, the company controlled about 30% of the laptop market, estimated at $500 million per year^[3]. After Asian players began to actively show themselves in the PC market, including in Russia, the share of Rover Computers began to decline.

As of 2006, in addition to a controlling stake in Rover Computers, Sergey Shunyaev owned the Disti distribution company with a turnover of about $100 million (sale of computer equipment). He also had a Harley-Davidson motorcycle salon and a TCI production company (bringing Marilyn Manson and Rammstein to Russia).

2006: Opening of a restaurant in Moscow

The non-core diversification of the Rover Computers business - the opening of the Version 1.0 restaurant - required about $1.5 million in investments.

The club "Version 1.0" in the center of Moscow differs from dozens of capital dance establishments by a laser show, an impressive bar and an equally impressive cocktail map.

In Moscow, it is very difficult to find a bar with a large selection of good cocktails, so we created a bar-restaurant with this particular bias, - Sergey Shunyaev explained in 2006.

2008: Sale of a stake in a Taiwanese partner company

In 2009, Sergey Shunyaev sold his shares in the Taiwanese manufacturer of laptops and components Clevo^[4]. In 2008, it was reported that Shunyaev paid about $50 million of personal funds for Clevo shares. Based on the capitalization of Clevo at that time ($862 million), the head of Rover Computers could have a package of about 5.8%. That was enough to serve on the Clevo board. Thus, Shunyaev hoped to influence the development of new models by the Taiwanese manufacturer.

Clevo was founded in 1983. According to Research in China, in 2009 it was in eighth place in terms of shipments for OEM partners. In addition to Rover Computers, Clevo assembles computers for more than 70 local firms in 50 countries around the world. Clevo shares have been circulating on the Taiwan Stock Exchange since 1997.

As of the time of purchase, Clevo supplied up to 80% of components for Rover laptops. As Shunyaev said then, his company was interested in acquiring exclusive rights to some models of laptops manufactured by Clevo. Having received such rights, the Russian vendor intended to regain its lost position in the local laptop market.

Cooperation with Aria Group

Sergey Shunyaev was a big fan of heavy rock. For more than 25 years, he collaborated with the Aria group and assisted it.

{{quote 'From the Soviet "metal" party, I remembered "Aria" well - I was at the very first concert in the MAI Palace of Culture. I always liked them and my wife Katya, who also played a big role in the life of Aria. Returning to Russia in 1995, my wife and I listened to all the Aria discs that existed at that time, and we really liked it. Previously, we did not listen to "Hero of Asphalt," but at a concert in MDM we were delighted with them.
Then they later got to a concert in some kind of recreation center, where barely five hundred people gathered spectators. I was shocked to see such a picture, and began to think: is it possible to somehow help "Aria" to re-occupy her rightfully owned place? Then we started a new business - a Harley-Davidson store - and got sick with motorcycles. Only learned to ride and immediately wanted to bring Harley-Davidson to Russia. "Asphalt Hero" was our anthem!

We saw that the best metal band in Russia was not in the best condition then. And they tried to connect their modest capabilities to give her a decent place in Russian rock. First, we invited Aria to perform at a bike show with our friend Sasha Surgeon. They performed very powerfully. With pyrotechnics and "Hero of Asphalt." And the bike show was done by Rina Lee (who later played a fatal role in the fate of Aria. - Approx. author).

After a while, the thought came: is it not to provide sponsorship to Aria? Moreover, they will help us promote Harley-Davidson in Russia. At that time (as until now), they had no alternative in metal in Russia. Great for Harley-Davidson's rugged bikers!^[5]}}

2023: Passing Away

On June 11, 2023, the Aria group in its official channels in social networks announced the death of Sergei Shunyaev.

This early morning, the life of Sergei Shunyaev suddenly ended. For 25 years, his name was inextricably linked with the life and work of Aria - Sergei not only helped us in difficult times, but also was the ideologist and organizer of many projects of our group, was always there in joy and grief. He was a man of an unusually wide soul, endlessly loving life and the people around him. This is an irreparable loss for all of us... Rest in peace dear friend, we will always remember you..., - said in a message[6].

Sergei Shunyaev died. Heart, - wrote on his page on the social network VK Russian media business, publisher and journalist Dmitry Mendrelyuk. - One of the most fun and informal businessmen of the Russian IT. Rover, Harley, Aria and a bunch of rock movements. Unforgettable jokes of his. Unforgettable parties. He is all very unforgettable: big man[7].

Notes