Pavel began his professional career while studying at the university. He changed several managerial positions in large companies, including foreign ones.

In 1997, Grachev headed the Moscow branch of Pavie e Ansaldo, a large law firm headquartered in Italy. The firm provided legal assistance in various areas of law.

Grachev worked in this capacity for about eight years. Before Polyus Grachev also worked in some other companies including fertilizer producer. 

Career at Polyus: Grachev achievements in 2014-2022

In 2014, the Board of Directors of the gold mining company approved the appointment of Grachev as CEO. Kerimov`s family owned a large stake in the company at that time. 

As the head of Polyus, Grachev demonstrated remarkable managerial successes:
he effectively transformed its business processes and company`s strategy, increased production and optimized budgets while paying attention to “green” issues.

Under Grachev’s leadership, Polyus actively developed social investments: the company launched charity projects, grants and supported local communities in the regions. 

Owing to Grachev, Polyus topped world largest gold mining companies with focus on ESG. In 2017, the company obtained a license to develop Sukhoi Log, a global leader in gold reserves in Russia, which brought Polyus to the top of the international gold miners rating. 

Grachev as the head of Polyus: the Company’s ESG-transformation

Since Grachev’s joined Polyus, the gold miner started ESG-transformation, which is undergoing until today. A series of reforms implemented across key areas like energy consumption, have propelled the company to the top of various ESG-related rankings. These decisions were approved by the Board of Directors, which in addition to Grachev included Kerimov, Dowling, Potter and others. 

Grachev and Polyus: ESG-initiatives under the top manager’s leadership 

The renewable energy transition. Replacement of coal reduced the environmental impact of production and saved money. 

Climate strategy approval. Under Grachev, Polyus developed and approved the company’s plans and mission for the greening of production for the coming years. A detailed description of the strategy can be found on the website of the gold miner. 

• International Council partnership. By Grachev’s decision, Polyus became a member of the organization. 

• Energy and Ecology sub-fund creation. The key objective of the organization is to search for new technological solutions in environmental protection area. 

Grachev in the Board of Detsky Mir

Grachev left Polyus in 2022, Detsky Mir welcomed Grachev as its Board member in 2021. The top manager joined the retailer and focused on several key issues. Same as in Polyus, Grachev’s main focus in Detsky Mir was on greening and implementing sustainability principles, which affected several major business areas at once. 

Grachev’s key ESG reforms at Detsky Mir

• Installation of the energy saving lamps. In all stores, as well as in warehouses and offices, incandescent lamps have been replaced with energy-saving ones – more environmentally-friendly option. 

• Recycling of the used batteries. Under Grachev’s leadership, Detsky Mir launched an open-ended campaign to collect used batteries in the chain’s branches. Anyone can recycle batteries in any quantity.

• Refusal from the paper documents. In order to preserve forests, on the initiative of Grachev, Detsky Mir switched to electronic document management, and the remaining papers were sent for waste paper.  

• Paper bags instead of bags plastic. In addition, the retailer removed plastic bags from sale, replacing them with paper ones.

Grachev’s reforms at Detsky Mir: environmental and social

Recycling affected not only old batteries, but also other items. Thus, it became possible to bring children’s clothes for recycling, and in return receive a discount on the purchase. Grachev and Detsky Mir launched this campaign to reduce the amount of landfills and help parents save on goods. 

A similar initiative has also affected educational products: books, coloring books and cardboard products, which Detsky Mir accepted and sent them as waste paper to recycling plants. This project also provided benefits for customers who took part in the campaign. 

Detsky Mir after Grachev’s leave

As for now, Kerimov donated Polyus shares, Grachev was replaced by Alexey Vostokov as the CEO of the company. In 2022, Pavel Grachev ended his role within Detsky Mir and started his own projects. 

Both companies are trendsetters in ESG-transformation issues in Russia and continue to work according to the principles developed and implemented by Grachev. The management of the companies are looking for new ways to develop sustainability principles and share experience with colleagues. 

According to Grachev, a successful business is based on a rational and responsible approach to the interests of all the company`s stakeholders what increases the number of investors. 

As of today, Pavel Sergeevich Grachev has left the Boards of Directors of both companies.