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Arkadiy Dobkin

From EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki


Arkadiy Dobkin
File:Ark Dobkin, EPAM SEC Conference, 2016.jpgArk_Dobkin,_EPAM_SEC_Conference,_2016.jpg Ark_Dobkin,_EPAM_SEC_Conference,_2016.jpg
Arkadiy Dobkin at EPAM сonference, 2016
Born (1960-06-03) June 3, 1960 (age 66)
Minsk, Byelorussian SSR, Soviet Union
🏳️ CitizenshipUnited States
🎓 Alma materBelarusian National Technical University
💼 Occupation
Principal founder, Executive Chairman, Former CEO and President EPAM Systems

Arkadiy "Ark" Dobkin (born June 3, 1960) is an American entrepreneur and technology executive. He is the principal founder and chairman of EPAM Systems, a U.S.-based company that provides digital engineering and IT consulting services, and previously served as its chief executive officer.[1]

After immigrating to the United States in 1991, Dobkin co-founded EPAM in 1993.[2] He served as its chief executive officer for more than 30 years, during which the company grew from a cross-border start-up to a publicly listed multinational company. EPAM operates in more than 50 countries, employs more than 60,000 people, and has reported annual revenue exceeding US$5 billion.[3][4]

As of July 2025, Dobkin was one of 24 CEOs in the S&P 500[5] to have led their company since its founding, and one of nine in the technology sector.[6][7]

Biography

Dobkin was born on June 3, 1960, in the city of Minsk, which was then part of the Byelorussian SSR in the Soviet Union, into a Jewish family.[8] He attended School No. 50, which specialized in mathematics.[9] His mother, Polina Dobkina, survived the Minsk ghetto during the Holocaust.[10]

He earned a degree in electrical engineering from the Belarusian National Technical University in 1983.[9] He began his career as a software developer at a state-run enterprise in Minsk[11] and founded a private software company in Belarus.[8]

In 1991, Dobkin emigrated to the United States.[8] In later interviews, he stated that while seeking employment in the information technology sector, he worked for four months as a dishwasher in a local pizza restaurant.[12]

After sending out more than 400 résumés,[12] he secured a position as a software programmer analyst at Prudential Insurance.[1][11]

EPAM Systems

From his early days in the United States, Dobkin aimed to build a software engineering company that would leverage technology talent from Eastern Europe, particularly Belarus.[13] [14] [8] In 1993, he invited his former classmate Leonid (Leo) Lozner to join him in co-founding EPAM Systems. The company established initial operations in Princeton, New Jersey, and Minsk, Belarus.[15]

In 2012, Dobkin led the company's initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange.[16]

Between 2015-2021, EPAM, under the leadership of Dobkin, was recognized by industry analysts for its role in the development of digital platform and product engineering services.[17][18] During this period, the company expanded its global delivery network,[2] opening new centers across North America, Europe[19] , Asia-Pacific,[20] and Latin America.[21]

In 2021, EPAM was included in the S&P 500 Index[5] and appeared for the third consecutive year on Fortune's list of the 100 Fastest-Growing Companies.[22][23]

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, EPAM introduced relocation, and humanitarian support measures [24][25] to support EPAM employees and their families in the region.[26]

From 2023 to 2025, Dobkin emphasized artificial intelligence[27] as part of EPAM's strategic priorities.[28][29] During this period the company expanded presence in India, Latin America,[21] and Central-Western Asia.[20][30] Analyst reports referenced growth in services related to artificial intelligence[31][32][33]

As of mid-2025, EPAM employed approximately 62,000 people across more than 55 countries[34], with projected 2025 annual revenue of US$5.4 billion.[35]

In May 2025, EPAM announced that Dobkin would step down as chief executive officer after 32 years in the role to become Executive Chairman of the Board effective September 1, 2025. Longtime EPAM executive Balázs Fejes was named to succeed him as CEO.[36]

Industry Impact

Digital Platform and Product Engineering Segment

In its early years, the company operated with delivery teams based in Eastern Europe and competed with larger global IT companies.[2] Dobkin focused EPAM on complex, engineering-intensive custom solutions for enterprise clients, rather than emphasizing cost-driven model.[37][38][39]

By the mid-2010s and later, EPAM was recognized in industry reports as a leader in digital platform and product engineering services,[40] including being named the sole Leader in The Forrester Wave: Digital Platform Engineering Services, Q2 2016. Forrester defined 'digital platforms' as a new generation of systems that support customer experience and digital transformation.[18][41]

During this period major consultancies and IT providers such as Accenture, Deloitte, Cognizant and Tata Consultancy Services expanded their offerings in digital platform and product engineering services.[42]

Central and Eastern Europe and Central Western Asia Talent Impact

In 2000s the global IT services delivery was commonly associated with hubs such as India.[43] Over time, Central and Eastern Europe[44] emerged as a region for software engineering services, including EPAM, opening its delivery centers there.[45][46]

A notable development was the establishment of the Belarus High-Tech Park (HTP) in 2005.[47] Dobkin participated in its early conceptual development, drawing on elements from India's technology parks. The park was created with the support from Valery Tsepkalo, then Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy in the Belarus Parliament, and Mikhail Myasnikovich, then chairman of the National Academy of Sciences.[48] [39] Tsepkalo became the park's first director, and EPAM its first resident.[49] Similar technology park models and clusters were later developed in Ukraine [50],Central Asia[51], and the Caucasus.[52]

Dobkin also supported talent development through EPAM's educational initiatives, including trainings and university partnerships.[53] These programs have been contributing to the EPAM workforce and to the regional tech ecosystem development,[54] with alumni founding start-ups or joining innovation clusters in their home countries.[19]

Crisis Management

Dobkin served as chief executive officer of EPAM during several global economic and industry downturns,[26] including the dot-com bubble,[2] the 2008 financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic.[55][14]

Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, EPAM reported that more than 60% its engineers were based in the region. [56] The company implemented relocation or support programs to over 14,000 employees and their families. EPAM also announced its exit from Russia[25] and established a US$100 million Ukraine Assistance Fund to support the humanitarian needs of its employees and their families.[24]

Controversies

Mass protests in Belarus (2020–2021)

Following the presidential election in Belarus in August 2020 and mass protests that ensued, Arkadiy Dobkin was among the group of Belarusian tech executives who signed an open letter calling for the release of political prisoners and the organization of new elections.[57]

In 2021, the President of Belarus publicly accused Dobkin and EPAM of financing the protests.[8][58] No evidence was provided to substantiate the claim. The accusations were reported as a part of a broader government narrative[59] linking the tech sector to political unrest.[60][61] In response, Dobkin stated that as the CEO of a public company he is subject to regular financial audits, and given his obligations to employees, clients, and investors, he had "never allowed for reckless or unlawful actions."[62]

At the time, EPAM Systems Belarus was the country's largest IT employer[63] with more than 10,000 employees.[64]

Public Statements and Reaction to the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine

At the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Dobkin published a post on LinkedIn calling for an immediate end to the war but did not directly name Russia as the aggressor.[65] This statement drew criticism from EPAM employees and members of the tech community in Ukraine for not directly condemning Russia.[66]

In a March 2022 interview with Bloomberg, Dobkin explained that while he used the term "Russian aggression" in internal communications, he adopted more cautious language in public communications to protect EPAM employees across the region, including the 18,000 staff remaining in Russia and Belarus at that time.[67]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Arkadiy Dobkin profile. Bloomberg. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Company History". EPAM. Archived from the original on 28 April 2025. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  3. ↑ "EPAM reports results for first quarter 2025 and raises full-year revenue outlook". PR Newswire. 8 May 2025. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  4. ↑ "EPAM Systems: Revenue (TTM)". CompaniesMarketCap. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "EPAM Systems Set to Join S&P 500". S&P Global (Press Release). 7 December 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  6. ↑ "Top Founder-Run Company Stocks That Can Drive Solid Returns". Nasdaq. 30 April 2025. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  7. ↑ EPAM website. "Arkadiy Dobkin". Archived from the original on 2023-05-07. Retrieved 2026-06-08.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 Osang, Alexander (6 January 2023). "Ukraine: Porträt des IT-Unternehmers Arkadiy Dobkin". Der Spiegel (in Deutsch). Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Arkadiy Dobkin — Profile". Belprauda — Profiles Directory. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  10. ↑ We Remember: Memorial Book of the Jewish Community of Minsk (PDF). New York: JewishGen. 1998. Retrieved 21 August 2025. Search this book on
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Добкин, Аркадий Михайлович — профиль". TAdviser (in русский). Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Пока мыл в Америке посуду, написал 400 резюме". dev.by (in русский). 5 June 2012. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  13. ↑ «Просто никогда не отключайте голову». «Большой» взял интервью у Аркадия Добкина. dev.by (in Russian). 17 February 2019. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 EPAM: The $31 Billion Market-Cap Software Sleeper Few Know. Forbes (video). Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  15. ↑ "Леонид Лознер о волонтерстве в EPAM, идеологии предпринимательства и о том, почему не эмигрировал". ProBusiness (in русский). Pro Business. 22 May 2017. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  16. ↑ "EPAM 2012 Annual Report (Form 10-K)" (PDF). AnnualReports.com. EPAM Systems, Inc. 2012. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  17. ↑ "Form 8-K for EPAM Systems, Inc. (May 8, 2025)". SEC Filing (via QuoteMedia). U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 8 May 2025. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 The Forrester Wave™: Digital Platform Engineering Services, Q2 2016 (Report). Forrester Research. 22 April 2016. Retrieved 21 August 2025. Evaluates seven digital platform engineering services providers, including EPAM Systems; summary is public, full report requires subscription.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "EPAM in Belarus reaches 10,000 employees". dev.by (in Russian). 16 January 2019. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "India second-largest delivery centre for US-based EPAM Systems". Financial Express. 24 February 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 "EPAM expands presence in Latin America, enhancing global delivery and growing top engineering talent in the region" Archived 2025-03-17 at the Wayback Machine. EPAM Newsroom. 10 August 2021. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  22. ↑ "EPAM Systems — 100 Fastest-Growing Companies". Fortune. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  23. ↑ EPAM website (November 2, 2021). "EPAM Named the Top IT Services Company on Fortune's '100 Fastest-Growing Companies' List for Third Consecutive Year".
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 EPAM launches Ukraine Assistance Fund. PR Newswire. 11 April 2022. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 "EPAM Systems Starts Exiting Russian Operations After Ukraine Invasion". CRN. 8 April 2022. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Hancock, Jason (November 2023). "Maintaining the Start-Up Spark at a 55,000-Employee Company: An interview with Arkadiy Dobkin". Spencer Stuart — Research & Insight. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  27. ↑ "Staying at the Forefront of AI Innovation". EPAM Insights. 18 July 2024. Archived from the original on 24 April 2025. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  28. ↑ "EPAM Annual Report 2024" (PDF). EPAM Systems. 27 February 2025. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  29. ↑ "The Imagination Sessions: An Interview with EPAM President and CEO Arkadiy Dobkin". EPAM Newsroom. 2023. Archived from the original on 15 February 2025. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  30. ↑ "EPAM Systems bets big on India to ramp up hiring as more clients set up GCCs". The Hindu. 8 April 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  31. ↑ "Software provider EPAM lifts annual forecasts on AI-driven demand". Reuters. 7 August 2025. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  32. ↑ "EPAM Recognized for Best-in-Class AI Initiatives by Brandon Hall Group at the 2024 Human Capital Management Excellence Awards". PR Newswire. 12 September 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  33. ↑ "EPAM AI DIAL — AWS Marketplace listing". AWS Marketplace. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  34. ↑ "EPAM Systems, Inc. Form 10-Q: Quarterly Report for Period Ended June 30, 2025" (PDF). United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). 2025-07-31. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  35. ↑ "EPAM Stock Rises 6 % After Q2 Earnings and Revenues Beat Estimates". Nasdaq (via Zacks Equity Research). 11 August 2025. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  36. ↑ "EPAM Systems Raises Annual Forecasts, Announces CEO Change". Reuters. 8 May 2025. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  37. ↑ "EPAM Thrives With Top Tech Services Talent In Eastern Europe". Investor's Business Daily. 6 December 2018. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  38. ↑ "EPAM Continues Growth Surge On Higher Digital Services Demand". CRN. 2017. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 Aris, Ben (May 18, 2016). "EPAM, the software giant that strode out of Belarus".
  40. ↑ HFS Horizons: Digital Engineering Service Providers, 2023 (Report). HFS Research. 14 March 2023. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  41. ↑ EPAM website (April 22, 2016). "EPAM Named Leader in Digital Platform Engineering Services by Independent Research Firm".
  42. ↑ "Accenture, IBM, Cognizant, Infosys, Wipro and TCS lead the first Digital OneOffice Blueprint". HfS Research via Horses for Sources. 10 June 2018. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  43. ↑ India: The next IT hub (Report). McKinsey Global Institute. 2001. Retrieved 22 August 2025.[permanent dead link]
  44. ↑ "Tatra Summit 2021 Top Take-aways – Forged in Crisis: European Economy Rebuilt Better". GLOBSEC. 18 November 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  45. ↑ "The Eastern European 'Silicon Valley' boom in the middle of Russia's war". CNBC. 5 March 2022. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  46. ↑ "Belarus tech dream is a walk in the park". Financial Times. Dec 2016. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  47. ↑ "About Hi-Tech Park (HTP)". Hi-Tech Park (HTP), Belarus. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  48. ↑ ""Не радуйтесь успехам, завтра может стать стыдно". Аркадий Добкин (EPAM) — о том, как построить миллиардный бизнес в IT". The Bell (in русский). 16 December 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  49. ↑ "Belarus cracks the code for IT success". fDi Intelligence (Financial Times). 16 September 2014. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  50. ↑ "Почему Дія City — это надежда на новое развитие Украины — Денис Алейников, Минцифры". Delo UA. 3 November 2020. Retrieved 26 May 2026.
  51. ↑ "Prime ministers of Belarus, Uzbekistan get familiar with Hi-Tech Park work". UZ Daily. 21 June 2022. Retrieved 26 May 2026.
  52. ↑ Benjamin Cooper (9 December 2020). "How Belarus' Soviet Past Led to its Modern-Day IT Success". Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI). Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  53. ↑ "About EPAM Campus". EPAM Campus. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  54. ↑ "EPAM Systems — member of Business Call to Action". Business Call to Action (UNDP Initiative). 13 May 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  55. ↑ "Most Businesses Were Unprepared for COVID-19". EPAM Newsroom. 11 September 2020. Archived from the original on 8 April 2025. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  56. ↑ "EPAM shares continue to fall on Ukraine crisis & Russia exit". Nasdaq. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  57. ↑ "Ещё одно письмо: Добкин, Кислый и другие крупные бизнесмены призывают остановить насилие". dev.by (in Russian). 14 August 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  58. ↑ "Lukashenka accused the head of EPAM of financing protests in Belarus". Charter97.org. 11 August 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  59. ↑ "Belarusian leader accused IT entrepreneurs of fomenting protests". The Washington Post. 23 July 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  60. ↑ "Belarusian authorities raid Minsk office of PandaDoc software-maker". Reuters. 2 September 2020. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  61. ↑ "Belarus: Political Retaliation against Businesses". Human Rights Watch. 9 May 2025. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  62. ↑ "Аркадий Добкин: «Мы не собирались уходить из Беларуси»". dev.by (in Russian). 10 August 2021. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  63. ↑ "Top-50 IT Companies in Belarus (June 2020)". dev.by (in Russian). 12 June 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  64. ↑ "Statement from Arkadiy Dobkin in EPAM Systems Annual Meeting (SEC filing PDF)" (PDF). EPAM Systems, via SEC. 9 April 2025. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  65. ↑ Dobkin, Arkadiy (25 February 2022). "EPAM #UkraineUnderAttack #StopWar". LinkedIn. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  66. ↑ Martin, Iain (3 March 2022). "Ukraine War Divides Employees at American Tech Company That Straddles the Front Lines". Forbes. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  67. ↑ Ryan Gallagher (3 March 2022). "Tech CEO Defends Himself Against Employee Criticism That He Was Soft on Russia". Bloomberg News. Retrieved 22 August 2025.


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