ARETI
INTERNATIONAL
GROUP


ARETI International Group, founded in 2015 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Igor Makarov, is a Cyprus-registered, Europe-based international company with diversified business interests across Europe, North America, and the Middle East. ARETI has no business interests or affiliated companies in Russia.

ARETI focuses on strategic investments in key global sectors, including energy and innovation, as well as initiatives that promote sports development and charitable engagement. The Group’s approach combines entrepreneurial vision with a deep commitment to social responsibility, ensuring that business growth goes hand in hand with positive community impact.

At the heart of ARETI’s philosophy lies the belief that success is measured not only by results, but also by contribution to people, society, and the environment. This principle shapes every aspect of the company’s operations, from investment decisions to philanthropic programs and partnerships.

Guided by integrity, foresight, and sustainability, ARETI continues to expand its global presence while maintaining a strong foundation of trust and transparency in all regions where it operates.

 

OUR VALUES

At ARETI, our values define who we are and guide every aspect of our work. They reflect our belief that sustainable success is built on integrity, collaboration, and respect for people and communities.

  1. PEOPLE

    We recognize that people are our greatest asset. At ARETI, we value the knowledge, skills, and dedication of every team member. Together, we foster a culture of respect, inclusivity, and wellbeing — creating a positive impact both within our company and in the communities we serve.
  2. COMMITMENT

    We honor our promises. ARETI is deeply committed to fulfilling its obligations with professionalism, efficiency, and integrity — ensuring that every project and partnership is completed on time and to the highest standards.
  3. PROFESSIONALISM

    Our team consists of highly qualified experts who bring innovation, experience, and creativity to every endeavor. Guided by excellence, ARETI continually seeks optimal solutions and advanced technologies to achieve outstanding results for our partners and stakeholders.
  4. TRANSPARANCY

    Openness and trust are at the core of our business. ARETI operates with full transparency toward the public, our partners, and our clients — providing clear, accurate, and timely information about our activities and initiatives.
 

ABOUT THE FOUNDER

IGOR
MAKAROV

Founder of ARETI International Group

Igor Makarov, a Cyprus national and tax resident is the Founder of ARETI International Group. Вorn in 1962 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, he is a Cyprus-based entrepreneur and philanthropist, whose life story reflects determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence – both in sports and business.

Education and Athletic Career

With a passion for both academics and sports, Igor Makarov graduated from Turkmen State University in 1983. From 1979 to 1986, he competed as a world-class cyclist, representing the USSR national team. A multiple national and international champion, he earned the distinguished title of International Master of Sports.

Business Career

After concluding his celebrated cycling career in 1986, Mr. Makarov turned his focus to business. Starting with a small consumer goods manufacturing venture, he soon expanded into broader entrepreneurial activities, guided by vision and strategic insight.

In 1992, he founded ITERA International Group of Companies (ITERA IGC), based in the U.S. and Cyprus. Initially focused on food supply to Turkmenistan, the company soon entered the energy sector when Turkmenistan began bartering natural gas in exchange for goods. Under Makarov’s leadership, ITERA became a major supplier of Turkmen gas to the former Soviet republics and Eastern Europe.

Mr. Makarov is widely recognized as a pioneer in developing the Turkmen gas export system, creating efficient distribution networks that supported the economic revitalization of many newly independent states – including Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Latvia and many other countries, following the collapse of the USSR.

By the early 2000s, ITERA operated across 24 countries and delivered over 100 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually to Eastern European markets.

In 2013, Igor Makarov sold ITERA. Following the sale of its remaining oil and gas assets in Russia, he shifted focus to new ventures outside the region. In 2015, he established ARETI International Group, a Cyprus-registered company with operations in Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

Today, ARETI is engaged in global investments across multiple sectors, including energy, philanthropy, and sports development. The Group has no business interests or affiliations in Russia.

Philanthropy and Social Impact

Promoting Cycling

Driven by the same passion that defined his athletic career, Igor Makarov has played a significant role in advancing global cycling. From September 2011 to September 2025, he served as a member of the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) Management Committee, contributing to the sport’s international development.

For many years, his companies have supported European cycling and its national federations through the UEC (Union Européenne de Cyclisme).

Mr. Makarov founded and sponsored the KATUSHA professional cycling team, registered in Switzerland. Competing in the World Tour from 2009 to 2019, KATUSHA consistently ranked among the world’s top teams and brought together riders from diverse nationalities. Except for a brief period of co-sponsorship with German brand Alpecin, Mr. Makarov was the team’s sole sponsor until its acquisition by Israel Cycling Academy in 2019.

Currently, Igor Makarov actively promotes cycling development in Cyprus, where he resides. His contributions were recognized with the Aristides Konstantinidis Award for advancing the sport in the country.

Beyond sports, Mr. Makarov also supports arts and culture, serving as a patron of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, where he helps to promote cultural dialogue and global unity.

Charitable Endeavors

Igor Makarov and his companies uphold a long-standing tradition of philanthropy, having supported numerous humanitarian, cultural, and educational initiatives over the past three decades. Selected highlights include:

• A major donation establishing the Adult Autism Clinic at Mount Sinai Medical Center (Miami Beach, USA) in 2017;

• Sponsorship of Downside Up initiatives supporting children with Down Syndrome;

• Nationwide medical aid programs in Central Asia;

• Support for the Books for Cecutient Children Fund, producing tactile and audio-enhanced books for visually impaired children;

• Restoration and construction of churches, synagogues, mosques, and Buddhist temples around the world;

• Assistance to retired and disabled athletes;

• Collaborations with charities such as Best Buddies International, Chabad Lubavitch of Southside, Fundación Niños Del, His House Children’s Home, Hope for a Healthier Humanity, Make-A-Wish, and Miami Padel Masters LLC;

• The creation of a public park in Limassol, Cyprus.

In recognition of his decades-long commitment to social and humanitarian causes, UNESCO awarded Igor Makarov Gold Certificates and a Gold Medal.

You can find more information about Igor Makarov at https://igormakarov.org/

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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

 


PROMOTION OF CYCLING AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

At ARETI, we believe in the power of sport to inspire, connect, and uplift communities. Guided by our founder, Igor Makarov, we have made the global promotion of cycling and healthy lifestyle a central part of our social responsibility mission.

Through a long-standing partnership with the European Cycling Union (UEC), Igor Makarov has supported approximately 50 national federations across Europe, helping to strengthen the sport.

Beyond Europe, ARETI and Igor Makarov actively sponsor numerous charity cycling events around the world, including the Tour de Broward and Hublot Best Buddies Challenge: Miami in the United States; the Inex Club Charity Ride 2024, ARETI Grand Prix Cyprus, Inex Club Charity Ride 2025, and Mayflower Grand Prix Cyprus in Cyprus; as well as various initiatives across Europe.

From 2011 to 2025, Igor Makarov served on the Management Committee of the International Cycling Union (UCI), contributing to the global development and governance of cycling. He also founded and was the principal sponsor of the Swiss-registered professional team KATUSHA, which competed successfully on the UCI World Tour from 2009 to 2019 and was consistently ranked among the world’s top teams. The roster included renowned athletes such as Joaquim Rodríguez, Alexander Kristoff, Daniel Moreno, Simon Špilak, Filippo Pozzato, Ilnur Zakarin, Luca Paolini, and Tony Martin.

Today, Igor Makarov continues to promote cycling for all in Cyprus, supporting local charity rides and Grand Prix events that foster inclusion and healthy living. His contributions to the advancement of cycling in Cyprus have been recognized with the prestigious Aristides Konstantinidis Award.

Through these initiatives, ARETI remains dedicated to using sport as a force for positive change – inspiring healthier lifestyles, building stronger communities, and promoting international friendship.

PHILANTHROPIC & CHARITY INITIATIVES

At ARETI, social responsibility is not an afterthought – it is a core part of our identity. We are committed to initiatives that improve lives, strengthen communities, and promote global cultural values. Over the past three decades, Igor Makarov and his companies have implemented and supported a wide range of philanthropic, charitable, and social projects across the world.

HEALTHCARE AND WELL-BEING

ARETI and Igor Makarov have consistently supported programs that advance healthcare and medical accessibility.

• Funded the establishment of the Adult Autism Clinic at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami, providing specialized care for adults with autism.

• Supported multiple medical and humanitarian programs across Central Asia and beyond.

• Sponsored charity events to raise funds for children’s hospitals and health initiatives.

CHILDREN, INCLUSION, AND EDUCATION

Igor Makarov believes that every child deserves equal opportunities to grow, learn, and thrive.

• Sponsored the Downside Up Project, dedicated to helping children with Down Syndrome.

• Supported the Books for Cecutient Children Fund, producing tactile and audio-enhanced books for visually impaired children.

• Provided assistance to retired athletes with disabilities, helping them remain active and engaged members of their communities.

CULTURE

Charitable efforts also extend to the preservation and promotion of cultural and spiritual heritage.

• Supported the reconstruction and construction of churches, synagogues, mosques, and Buddhist temples across various countries.

• Igor Makarov serves as a patron of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, promoting global dialogue through art and culture.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Charity support for communities to create lasting social and environmental value.

• Financed the construction of a public park in Limassol, Cyprus, creating a vibrant and inclusive space for local families.

• Collaboration with leading charitable organizations including Best Buddies International, Chabad Lubavitch of Southside, Fundación Niños Del, His House Children’s Home, Hope for a Healthier Humanity, and Make-A-Wish Foundation.

RECOGNITION

Igor Makarov’s long-term commitment to philanthropy and social progress has been recognized internationally. His projects have received UNESCO Gold Certificates and a Gold Medal for outstanding contributions to humanitarian and social causes.

Through these efforts, ARETI remains dedicated to empowering people and supporting communities.
 
WHO WE ARE
OUR VALUES
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
CONTACTS