Speakers and participants

He was born in 1980 in Almaty.

He graduated from the Kazakh State Law Academy.

He began his career in 2002 as a chief specialist of the department in the Department of Justice of Almaty.

From 2005 to 2006, he was an expert, chief expert of the Legal Department of the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

From 2006 to 2009, he worked in the Administration of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

From 2009 to 2012, he was Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Registration Service and Legal Assistance of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

From 2012 to 2014, he served as Head of Department in the central office of the Republic of Kazakhstan Agency for Combating Economic and Corruption Crime (Financial Police).

In 2015-2016, he was the Chief of Staff of the Akim of Astana, Head of the Secretariat of the Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In 2016-2017, he was the Head of the Department of the National Bureau for Combating Corruption (anti-corruption service) for the city of Astana.

From 2017 to 2018, he was Deputy Akim of Akmola region.

From 2018 to 2019, he was Deputy Chairman of the Republic of Kazakhstan Agency for Public Service and Anti-Corruption.

From 2019 to 2022, he was the First Deputy Chairman of the Republic of Kazakhstan Anti-Corruption Agency.

From February 2022 to April 2023, he was the Chairman of the Republic of Kazakhstan Anti-Corruption Agency.

On April 3, 2023, by Decree of the Head of State, he was appointed Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

On February 6, 2024 by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan he was appointed Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

He was awarded the orders of "Aibyn" ІІ degree (2014), "Danek" ІІ degree (2021).

Date and place of birth: 16.09.1967, Genova, Italy

Education: Matteo holds an MBA from INSEAD and an MS degree cum laude in Mechanical Engineering from Genoa University.

Work experience:
Matteo Patrone, Vice President, Banking. In his role, Mr Patrone has an overall responsibility for the effective delivery of the Bank’s investment and advisory activities in the EBRD’s countries of operations, as well as contributing to the delivery of policy engagement activities.
Prior to this, Matteo held the post of Managing Director, Eastern Europe and Caucasus. In this role, he has been responsible for the Bank’s operations and policy engagement initiatives in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and for spearheading the crisis response to the war on Ukraine.
Mr. Patrone has a career spanning 30 years that includes senior management and leadership positions in merchant banking, private equity, management consulting and engineering. He joined the EBRD in 2008 as a senior banker within the Corporate Equity team. In 2012, he became Director for Serbia, based in Belgrade and in 2015, he moved to Bucharest as the Director, Regional Head for Romania and Bulgaria. In 2018, Matteo Patrone was appointed Managing Director, EEC.
Prior to working at the EBRD, Matteo was Managing Director of the private equity arm of Finanziaria Internazionale, an Italian merchant bank, where he spent 10 years investing in a broad range of sectors.
Before that he was Senior Manager at Accenture Strategic Services in Milan, Italy and held various positions in the Leonardo (formerly known as Finmeccanica) and ENI groups in the UK and Italy.

He graduated from Karaganda State University named after Buketov.

He started his career in 2001 as a leading specialist of the Akim's Office of Temirtau.

From 2002 to 2003, he worked as an attaché of the Investment Committee, attaché of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

From 2003 to 2006, he was attache, third secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Russian Federation

From 2006 to 2007, he was Head of Department, Deputy Director of the Department of Transport Policy and International Cooperation of the Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

From 2007 to 2009, he was Deputy Head, Chief of Staff of Aktau International Sea Trade Port RSE.

In 2009, he held the positions of Deputy Director of the Department of Administrative Work, State Work, State Procurement of the Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

From 2009 to 2010, he was Deputy Akim of Kazybek bi district of Karaganda city.

From 2010 to 2011, he was an adviser to the akim of Karaganda region.

From 2011 to 2013, he was akim of Shakhtinsk city of Karaganda region.

From 2013 to 2014, he was deputy akim of Astana city.

From 2014 to 2016, he was the Chairman of the Board of SPK Astana JSC.

From 2016 to 2020, he was Deputy Director for Strategic Development of Novostroy Astana LLP.

Since April 2021, he held the position of Managing Director for Provision of NC KTZ JSC.

On 28 February 2025, he was appointed Minister of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan by the Decree of the Head of State.

Born on 14 November 1983 in Atyrau.

In 2006, he graduated from Tomsk State University with degrees in Finance and Credit, and in Linguistics and Intercultural Communication. In 2010, he obtained a Master’s degree in Applied Economics from the University of Michigan under the Bolashak International Scholarship Programme.

He began his career in 2005 as a Lead Specialist at the Department of Internal Administration and the Department of International Relations of the Ministry of Economy and Budget Planning of the Republic of Kazakhstan. From 2006 to 2010, he worked as an Expert and Senior Expert in the Department of Investment Policy and Planning of the Ministry of Economy and Budget Planning and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.

Starting in 2010, he held positions as Head of the Strategic Development Division at the Department of Strategic Planning and Analysis of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and as Deputy Director of the Department of Budget Policy and Planning at the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In February 2013, he was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Committee of Geology and Subsoil Use of the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of the Republic of Kazakhstan. From June 2013 to April 2019, he served as Deputy Head of the Center for Strategic Development and Analysis and Deputy Head of the Department for Socio-Economic Monitoring at the Administration of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

From April 2019 to February 2021, he held the position of Deputy Head of the Analytical Department of the Office of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In February 2021, he was appointed Vice Minister of National Economy, and from January 2022 to February 2024 served as Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Other positions held:
– Member of the Board of Directors, Samruk-Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund JSC (11.01.2022 – 06.02.2024);
– Member of the Board of Directors, Baiterek National Managing Holding JSC (04.02.2022 – 06.02.2024);
– Member of the Management Council, Astana International Financial Centre (11.01.2022 – 06.02.2024);
– Member of the Board of Directors, Kazakh Invest National Company JSC (11.01.2022 – 06.02.2024);
– Chairman of the Board of Directors, Economic Research Institute (ERI) (11.01.2022 – 06.02.2024).

Before his appointment as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan in April 2024, he served as Chief Executive Officer of the KAZENERGY Association.

Fluent in English, Spanish, and German.

Ali Aslan is an internationally renowned TV presenter, moderator and journalist with a global career spanning over 20 years, including at CNN in Washington DC, ABC News in New York and Deutsche Welle TV in Berlin.

Recognized globally as one of the world's foremost moderators for high-level international events, Aslan regularly hosts global conferences, among others, for the United Nations, G20, EU, NATO and World Bank.

Aslan has interviewed numerous world leaders, including former US President Bill Clinton, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Aslan holds master's degrees in International Affairs and Journalism from Columbia University as well as a bachelor's degree from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University.

David Manzini was educated at the Military Academy of Aix-en-Provence and graduated from the ISG Business School (Institut Supérieur de Gestion). He is fluent in English, French, and Russian.

Since December 2020, he has been serving as President of PepsiCo in Russia, Belarus, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.

From 2013 to 2020, he headed Mars in the United Kingdom, China, and the CIS countries, and from 2011 to 2013, he led Danone in Central Asia and the Caucasus.

Between 2004 and 2011, he held senior marketing positions at Unilever. He began his career in 1995 at Mars as a Territory Sales Manager and subsequently advanced to the position of Customer Development Director.

Mr. Renat Bekturov assumed the role of the Governor of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) in January 2023. Previously, he held senior positions at the Astana International Exchange (AIX), the National Investment Corporation of the National Bank of Kazakhstan, and the Development Bank of Kazakhstan.

He has over 16 years of experience in the financial services industry and was involved in several landmark debt capital market transactions, including the first Sukuk issuance in the CIS region.

Renat holds an MSc degree in Banking and Finance with Distinction from the University of Leicester and is a CFA Charterholder.

He graduated from the Kazakh State Law University in 2002, the Kazakhstan-Russia University in 2007, and the University of Birmingham.

He began his career in 1999 as a legal assistant at Eurasia Consulting LLP. From 2002 to 2010, he held various positions in the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan and in the Office of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Parliament. From 2010 to 2019, he served as Deputy Akim (Mayor) of the city of Ekibastuz and the West Kazakhstan region, as well as holding leadership positions in the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In 2019, he was the secretary of the “NurOtan” party. From 2019 to 2020, he worked as Vice Minister of Information and Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and from 2021 to 2024, he held positions as State Inspector, Deputy Head, and Head of the Department of State Control and Organizational-Territorial Work in the Administration of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. From 2023 to 2024, he served as the First Deputy Head of the Government Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Before being appointed Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, he served as Advisor to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Alexander Luft is an experienced executive with a solid background in managing international industrial and investment projects. Since 2016, he has been serving as Chief Executive Officer of Stadler CIS AG (Switzerland), overseeing the company’s operations and business development across the CIS region. Since 2022, he has also been a Member of the Supervisory Board of Stadler Kazakhstan, actively contributing to projects aimed at localizing the production of railway rolling stock in Kazakhstan.

In addition, Alexander Luft holds the position of President of Medeo Investment AG (Switzerland). Earlier in his career, he served as CEO of Netwise Solutions Holding AG, where he led the company’s growth in the field of innovative IT and investment solutions.

His professional journey began in Germany, where he worked as a Sales Manager at Kolwe und Knoff GmbH and JRS GmbH, later continuing his career in Switzerland as an Investment Manager at Helveticorp GmbH.

Alexander Luft holds a Diploma in Management from Moscow State University and the University of Applied Sciences for Technology, Business and Culture (HTWK Leipzig, Germany).

Date of Birth: May 1955.

Education: Bachelor’s degree;

• Major in Industrial Fermentation, Qilu Polytechnic University (1982).

Work Experience:

1982 – 1984 - Technical specialist at the wine factory in Ji’nan County;

1984 – 1985 - Deputy Director of the wine factory in Ji’nan County;

1985 – 1996 - Director of the wine factory in Ji’nan County;

1996 – 1999 - General Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Shandong Furui Group;

Education: Master of Engineering Sciences with specialization in Chemical Engineering and Technologies, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Chemical Technology, Imperial College of London, the UK; a certificate of secondary education of A Level, MPW College, Cambridge, the UK.

His career began at the Atyrau oil refinery. In parallel with his studies he worked as an analyst at North Caspian Petroleum Ltd. Then he was admitted to Tengizchevroil LLP for the position of engineer-technologist of the third category. He has considerable experience in the petrochemical industry, acquired during his work in such companies as Kazakhstan Petrochemical Industries Inc. LLP, United Chemical Company LLP, and UCC Engineering LLP. In May 2014 he was appointed to the post of General Director of DARYN Partners LLP. From February 2019 until now he was appointed to the post of General Director of SEMURG INVEST LLP. From 2021 to 2022, he worked in Romania at Rompetrol (KMG International) as an Advisor to the Production Director and Managing Manager of Rominserv. Since 2015, he has been developing the “Sarzha Multifunctional Marine” Terminal project in the Kuryk port, and since 2019 he has been appointed to the position of the General Director of SEMURG INVEST LLP. He has extensive experience in logistics, as well as in the establishment and management of investment projects.

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and Master’s degree in Business Administration

Work Experience:
September 2024 – Present – Managing Director for Western and Central Asia, Alstom Kazakhstan
2023 – September 2024 – Director, Upsilink, France
2017 – 2022 – Chief Executive Officer, TMH AFRICA
2015 – 2017 – Business Development Director, General Electric, South Africa
2011 – 2015 – Country President, Alstom South Africa
2009 – 2011 – Country President, Alstom Libya
2007 – 2008 – Chief Executive Officer, Alcatel Tunisia
1997 – 2006 – Global Contracts Manager, Alcatel in Algeria, Iran, Qatar, and France

Biography:
Jérôme Boyer, Managing Director of Alstom for Western and Central Asia, possesses extensive experience in infrastructure and industrial projects. Jérôme is focused on enhancing collaboration, strengthening client relations, and ensuring the sustainable growth of the cluster. His leadership contributes to positioning Alstom as a leader in sustainable mobility and innovation, ensuring continued success in the years ahead.

Before joining Alstom, Jérôme successfully established, developed, and structured initiatives in the telecommunications, energy, and railway technology sectors. He effectively expanded businesses both within and outside companies — often through strategic partnerships — to enhance the efficiency of public clients and key industrial enterprises in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. He has held senior leadership positions in renowned organizations such as General Electric (GE), Alstom, and TMH.

Throughout his career, Jérôme has led critical project phases, including risk assessment, client engagement, tendering and contract management, as well as implementation and operational monitoring. His expertise enables him to navigate complex technological and cultural environments, ensuring financial value even under volatile conditions.

Obtained higher education, he graduated from South Kazakhstan University named after M. Auezov with a degree in “International Relations” and Karaganda University of Kazpotrebsouz with a degree in “Economics”.

Graduated of the Bolashak program. He graduated from King's College London (2014) and the English Business School (2019), receiving a master's degree in public policy and service management, business administration. 

Career

He started his career in 2003 as a chief specialist of labor and social protection department of the city of Shymkent.
From 2003 to 2004 - director of branch of economic administration of South Kazakhstan Akim’s Apparatus.
From 2004 to 2006 - chief specialist of the department of External relations and Investment of the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan.
From 2006 to 2007 - third secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Uzbekistan of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
From 2007 to 2010 - second secretary of the State Protocol Service of the Minister’s office of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
From 2010 to 2016 - chief expert, head of the sector of the department of external relations and protocol of the Office of the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan.
From 2016 to 2017 - director of the international relations department of “Samruk-Kazyna Invest” LLP.
From 2017 to 2018 - head of the secretariat of the Chairman of the Board of JSC «Samurik-Kazyna».
From 2018 to 2019 - chairman of the bureau of the UNECE Convention on the protection and use of transboundary watercourses and International Lakes.
From 2019 to 2020 - head of the department for support and implementation of investment projects of the Investment Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
From 2020 to 2021 - deputy chairman of the Investment Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Since September 2021 he served as chairman of the Investment Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a member of the Council of Foreign Investors under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
On February 19, 2024, he was appointed deputy Akim of the Kyzylorda region.

Education:

• 1998 – University of Karlsruhe
• 1999 – Grenoble Institute of Technology

Professional Experience:

• Since September 2024 – Vice President of Air Liquide Group, responsible for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Kazakhstan (Saudi Arabia)
• 2023–2024 – Vice President for Sales and Technology, E&C Americas (USA)
• 2022–2023 – President, E&C Americas, and Chief Executive Officer, Air Liquide Global E&C Solutions US, Inc. (USA)
• 2019–2022 – General Director, LLP “Er Likid Munai Tek Gazy” (Kazakhstan)
• 2015–2019 – Commercial Director for Large Industries, Air Liquide Russia (Russian Federation)
• 2011–2015 – International Director for Design and Construction, Marketing, and Competitive Intelligence, Air Liquide (France)
• 2009–2011 – International Manager for Strategic Clients BASF/BAYER, Air Liquide (France)
• 2006–2009 – Manager for Operational Control of Group Activities, Air Liquide (France)
• 2004–2005 – Manager responsible for Asset Acquisition and Implementation, Air Liquide (France)
• 2003–2004 – Project Manager for Asset Acquisition and Implementation / Business Controller for Large Industries, Air Liquide GmbH (Germany)
• 2001–2003 – Internal Auditor, Air Liquide GmbH (Germany)
• 2000–2001 – Logistics Manager, Air Liquide GmbH (Germany)

Selman Alimoglu is a Turkish entrepreneur and pharmaceutical expert with more than twenty years of experience in healthcare and pharmaceutical production.

He graduated from Istanbul University in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. His professional career began in 1999–2000 as a pharmacist at a state pharmacy in Elazig. From 2000 to 2004, he continued his work as a pharmacist at a state pharmacy in Istanbul.

In 2004, Selman Alimoglu founded Orzax Group, a company specializing in the production and distribution of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. Since its establishment, he has served as the Chairman, leading the company’s successful growth and expanding the Orzax brand to international markets.

In addition to his entrepreneurial activities, Selman Alimoglu is actively involved in social initiatives. In 1994, he founded the Alimoğlu Health and Education Foundation, which focuses on supporting medical education and promoting social projects in the field of healthcare.

Matthew J. Sagers is a recognized expert in the fields of energy and transportation, specializing in the oil and gas sector of the post-Soviet region. He has more than thirty years of analytical and research experience, covering issues of energy resource transportation, infrastructure development, and regional economic policy.

He graduated from Weber State University (USA) with a Bachelor of Science degree with honors (magna cum laude) and continued his studies at The Ohio State University, where he earned Master of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.

Matthew J. Sagers began his professional career as an Economic Advisor to the Federated States of Micronesia, after which he taught geography at Weber State University and the University of Virginia. He later headed the International Research Center of the Soviet Branch of the US Census Bureau, which focused on analyzing economic and demographic data of the region.

In subsequent years, Sagers served as Director of Energy Services at PlanEcon, overseeing research on the Eurasian oil and gas market. Since the 2010s, he has led the Russian and Caspian Energy Advisory Service within S&P Global Commodity Insights, where he is responsible for analytical activities covering Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and other Caspian region countries.

Matthew J. Sagers is a leading expert on energy resource transportation, oil and gas infrastructure, and energy policy across the former Soviet Union. He is the author and co-author of numerous analytical studies, including Eurasian Oil Export Outlook and Eurasian Gas Export Outlook. Under his leadership, National Energy Reports on Kazakhstan (2015, 2017, and 2019) were prepared.

He actively cooperates with international organizations such as the World Bank and the International Energy Agency (IEA), participating in projects focused on the energy sectors of Russia, Ukraine, and Central Asian countries.

Matthew J. Sagers’ scientific and professional interests include the development of Eurasian oil and gas infrastructure, Russia’s LNG strategy, tax and export policy in the oil industry, Kazakhstan’s gas market, as well as the prospects for oil refining and pipeline projects across the region.

Alireza Mohammad Rahimi has over twenty years of experience in industrial production, management, and international sales.

He earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Industrial Engineering from Islamic Azad University in 2013. Earlier, he completed his Master’s degree (2006–2007) and Bachelor’s degree (2001–2005) in Industrial Engineering at the same university.

He began his professional career in 2004 at HEPCO (Heavy Equipment Production Co.) in Iran, where he worked as a production planning expert. From 2009 to 2011, he served as Head of the Planning Department at Iran Khodro Diesel in Tehran.

From 2011 to 2013, he held the position of Plant Director at Pishgam in Iran. Later, he joined Solico Group, where he led the company’s branch in Najaf, Iraq. Between 2014 and 2018, he served as Sales Manager and Branch Director of Solico Group in Iraq.

Since 2018, Alireza Mohammad Rahimi has been serving as Export Director and General Director for CIS countries at Solico Group, overseeing export operations and business development across the region.

He graduated from Shenyang Agricultural University.

Since 2025, he has served as the Chairman of Asia Golden Grain Holdings Ltd (AGG).

Since 2011, he has served as the Vice Chairman of Dalian Hesheng Holding Group, mainly in charge of the bulk commodity trading and grain deep processing segments.

He started his career at Taiwan DaChan Great Wall Group in 1992. From 1992 to 2011, he served as Section Chief, Manager, General Manager of Procurement (China Region), General Manager of Dalian DaChan, and General Manager of Liaoning DaChan at DaChan Great Wall Group.

Education: Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Journalism, Bachelor’s degree in Journalism.

Career path at KIA:

• 1997–2004 — KD Production Department;
• 2005–2009 — Sales Department Coordinator at the Middle East & Africa Regional Headquarters (Dubai);
• 2012–2015 — Sales Department Coordinator at the Asia-Pacific Regional Headquarters (Malaysia);
• 2018–2021 — Sales Department Coordinator at the Middle East & Africa Regional Headquarters (Dubai);
• 2022–2023 — Head of the Asia-Pacific Region at the Headquarters;
• 2023 – present — General Director of LLP “KIA Qazaqstan.

Changwook Lee has extensive international experience in investments, technology, and project management. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering from University I, a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from University K, and an MBA from H Business School.

He began his career at Samsung Electronics, overseeing distribution and technical sales, and was recognized as a top employee. In the following years, he held leadership positions in venture and investment companies, including Dongyang Data System, HumanCom, and Serim Interworks, implementing innovative technology projects, Korea’s first B2B internet engines, Wi-Fi devices, and network cameras, as well as managing venture funds and international M&A transactions.

Since 2008, Changwook Lee has led international investment projects through KML Investment & Financing, executing infrastructure and hospitality projects in Asia, the USA, and Europe. He is also the CEO of RETD Co. Ltd., where he develops maglev transportation projects and international infrastructure initiatives. Since 2023, he has been implementing investment projects in Kazakhstan through TRINITY INTERWORKS LLC.

Mr. Hernández is responsible for developing the Roca Group’s (Spain) new start-up project in Central Asia.

He has built a long career within the Roca Group. Before this appointment, he was Managing Director at Cosmic in Barcelona, where he led a comprehensive business transformation project (2022–2025). For more than a decade, he also held senior leadership positions at Roca Sanitario, focusing on business development, key account management, and expanding the Group Brands business with major European DIY retailers.

Mr. Hernández has significant international experience with Roca Tile USA, where he managed the P&L of the American subsidiary and coordinated activities with other business units in the USA and Brazil. He also gained professional experience in the FMCG sector.

With over 20 years of experience in commercial management and marketing, Daniel has developed strong expertise in branding, market expansion, and organizational transformation. He is particularly experienced in DIY retail and distribution channels, international business development, and people leadership.

Daniel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of Barcelona, and an MBA from ESADE Business School. He has also completed executive programs at IESE Business School (PDD), MIT Sloan School of Management (Digital Business Transformation), and IMD.

Vyacheslav Maltsev received his higher education at the Far Eastern State University, majoring in Macroeconomics (1995–2000). From 2009 to 2011, he studied at Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University (Graduate School of Economics), where he obtained an MBA degree.

He began his professional career in 1995 at Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Group, where he worked until 2005. From 2005 to 2007, he served as Regional Sales Director for the Ural region at Nidan Juices.

From 2007 to 2015, he worked at the headquarters of Baltika (part of the Carlsberg Group), where he held the position of National Manager for Non-Beer Brands Development. From 2015 to 2017, he headed the Division of Operational Logistics and Customer Service for the Siberia and Far East regions.

From 2017 to 2021, he was General Director of Carlsberg Azerbaijan.

Since 2021, he has been serving as President of Carlsberg Kazakhstan LLP.

Maxim Burak is a Partner at GRATA International in Astana. Maxim got a lot of experience and deep knowledge in the oil and gas industry, subsoil use and corporate transactions.

Maxim’s experience includes obtaining the refusal of the state from the priority right to purchase the alienated subsoil use rights in mergers and acquisitions, consulting subsoil users on local content, implementation of full legal support additional agreements to contracts for subsoil use, in particular regarding the extension of the exploration period and the percentages of Kazakhstani content and implementation Due Diligence contracts on subsoil use.

Mr. Nibladze is a Managing Director for Cerberus’ frontier market investment platform. He joined Cerberus in 2018 when the firm acquired SGI Frontier Capital to strategically advance its investment activities in emerging and frontier markets. 

Mr. Nibladze has over two decades of experience in the financial services and energy industries and has held various leadership positions at companies in Georgia. 

Prior to joining SGI Frontier in 2014, Mr. Nibladze co-founded JSC TbilUniversalBank, a full-service Georgian banking institution for which he later served on the Supervisory Board. Mr. Nibladze served in leadership and advisory roles at CanArgo Energy Corporation, one of the largest foreign energy companies in Georgia with a primary focus on oil and gas exploration. At CanArgo, he served as its country representative as well as a member of the company’s Management Committee. 

Mr. Nibladze graduated from the State University of Tbilisi. He also did further studies in finance and accounting at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Canada, and holds an Executive M.B.A. from the CWC School of Energy in the United Kingdom.

Holds both a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Suleyman Demirel University.

Baurzhan began his career in audit and financial services, holding roles at Deloitte, Temirbank, and Union Bancaire Privee – building a strong foundation in financial modelling, compliance, and portfolio management.

He has held several high-profile roles. As CEO of ACF PIT Tech Garden, he oversaw the delivery of more than 200 industrial projects valued at $100 million. Prior to that, he served as CEO of JSC SEC “Shymkent“, managing a substantial asset portfolio and attracting nearly $2 billion in investment.

His experience also includes serving as Deputy CEO of JSC SEC “Astana“, where he led the structuring of major public private partnerships and investment initiatives.

Graduated from Kazakh University of International Relationships and World Languages named after Abylai Khan, Almaty, Kazakhstan, with a Diploma of Higher Education specialising in Foreign Languages, Faculty of Roman and Germanic Philology.

Certified in Islamic Banking and Finance by BIBF. Completed professional training in Islamic Financial Planning and Wealth Management, as well as Advanced Collections Technical Training in Birmingham, UK.

Joined the AIFC team in 2018, beginning as a Senior Specialist, then Director of the Investment Solutions Department. He later held the position of Deputy CEO of the AIFC subsidiary – AIFC Business Connect Ltd., where he oversaw the promotion of the financial centre’s potential, the structuring of investment deals, and the support of companies operating within the AIFC ecosystem. From February 2023 until June 2025 held the position of Chief Financial Officer and Head of Administration at the AIFC Authority.

He has over 20 years of professional experience in project management, risk management, business development, and strategic planning. Previously, he held key positions at ForteBank, HSBC Bank Kazakhstan, ABN Amro Bank Kazakhstan (later RBS Kazakhstan), and other financial institutions in the country, demonstrating strong performance in driving organizational transformation and managing projects and risks within the financial sector.

Mr. Campbell-Holt OBE is the Registrar and Chief Executive of the AIFC Court and IAC. He is also the Enforcement Judge of the AIFC Court. He is responsible for the day-to-day management and administration of the AIFC Court and IAC and case management of litigation and alternative dispute resolution as delegated by the Chief Justice and IAC Chairman. As Enforcement Judge he is responsible for issuing execution orders of AIFC Court judgments.

He managed the establishment of the AIFC Court and IAC from initial concept to recognised premier international dispute resolution institutions in Eurasia. He is a member of the AIFC Legal Advisory Council, which reviews and approves AIFC law modelled on the English common law and international best practice. He was a member of the Working Group on Judicial and Legal Reforms of the Supreme Council of Reforms of the Office of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. He is a member of the International Council of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which advises on reform of the Kazakh courts and dispute resolution.

He has 20 years of international legal experience gained while living and working in the UK, US, Middle East and Central Asia. He was the Registrar at an international financial centre commercial court and alternative dispute resolution centre in Qatar under the Presidency of Lord Woolf, the former Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales. He also worked at the international law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, in London, UK, and at a Middle East law firm partnered with the international law firm Covington and Burling LLP, in Doha, Qatar. He has advised many Governments and organisations on financial centre and common law and dispute resolution institutions development including in the Middle East, Asia, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America.

Ainur Zhumatova joined the Astana International Financial Centre’s Authority in 2017 and was deeply involved in bringing the Expat Centre to life from drafting its foundational concept and legal base to guiding its launch and continuous development.

One of the key strategic achievements has been the implementation of the “one-stop shop” model - a multifunctional centre within the AIFC ecosystem, integrated into the business infrastructure of the city of Astana. The Expat Centre provides a full range of essential government services related to entry, stay, support, and relocation for foreign investors, professionals, as well as their families. It also oversees the AIFC Investment Tax Residency Programme aimed at attracting both human and financial capital to Kazakhstan.

Ainur holds a Master's degree in Translation and Cross-Cultural Communication from Queen’s University Belfast (under the Bolashak Scholarship), is a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI), a certified project manager (PMP), a CEDR-accredited mediator (Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution), and holds a qualification certificate in Strategic Leadership in Digital Transformation Management from the SKOLKOVO Moscow School of Management.

Her deep expertise enable an effective balance between the transformation of public sector processes and the creation of modern, client-oriented solutions that meet international standards.

Abdulaziz Alobaidli is the Chief Operating Officer of Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company. Mr. Alobaidli oversees the delivery, management, and operations of its renewable portfolio, as well as the Engineering and Supply Chain functions. Mr. Alobaidli previously served as General Manager at Masdar subsidiary, the Shams Power Company, from 2015 to 2018.

Before rejoining Masdar in 2023, Mr. Alobaidli worked for TAQA for five years, leading its domestic power and water generation business where he oversaw a portfolio with a capacity of 22.4 gigawatts and 1120 million imperial gallons per day.

Mr. Alobaidli has significant experience across energy and utilities, including renewables, and he serves on the boards of directors of several companies across the UAE and the world.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Alobaidli has been involved in several landmark renewable projects, including the Shams 1 CSP project, Noor Abu Dhabi PV project and, most recently, the Al Dhafra PV project.

Mr. Alobaidli earned an M.Sc in Policy Science and Practice, specializing in Decarbonization Policies, from the University of Bath in the UK. He also has an M. Sc. in Energy Engineering, specializing in power plant technologies, from RWTH Aachen University in Germany and a B.Sc in Mechanical Engineering from UAE University. He received the Emirates Energy Award in 2013 and was a member of the Zayed Sustainability Prize Review Committee.

Committed to Clean Energy and a Low-Carbon Future.

Graduate of Tsinghua University.

Founder and Chairman of SEPMEM.

Over 30 Years of Experience in the Natural Gas Industry.

In 1988, he graduated from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at Amir Kabbir University

His professional career began in February 1987 at the Poly Technique University, where he worked in the Expert Research Department.

From August 1992 he held position as Director of Research and Systems of Fakoor Sanat Tehran Co. (FST). During this period, he led the development and implementation of comprehensive scientific and technical projects aimed at improving production processes and introducing advanced technological solutions.

In October 1995, he continued his career at FST as Commercial Manager and Member of the Board, and since November 2003, he has been the Managing Director of the company.

Under his leadership, FST has grown into one of the industry’s leading companies, specializing in the development and implementation of innovative technologies in the mining and metallurgical sectors.

Prior to his current assignment, Mr. Kumar was Deputy Country Director at ADB’s Sri Lanka Resident Mission where he also headed the economics, programming, and knowledge unit. Before that he was an Economist with Economic Research Department and South Asia Department at ADB headquarters in Manila. Early in his career, he worked as an Economist with The Conference Board, US.

Mr. Kumar holds doctorate and master’s degrees in economics from the University of Maryland, the United States, and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in economics from the University of Delhi in India.

Cristina Doros is a Senior Vice President, and Group Country Manager for Visa in the CISSEE region.

Cristina leads Visa's operations and strategy in 17 countries across Southern and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Ukraine, Moldova.

Prior to the current position, Cristina was holding the role of a Regional Manager for Central Asia and Azerbaijan at Visa. In this role, Cristina was managing overall Visa business in these markets focusing on strategy development and implementation, business development, technology, and innovations.

Before moving to Central Asia, Cristina was managing Caucasus cluster at Visa.

She has more than 25 years of experience in retail banking, information technology, innovations, cards, and mobile payments. Cristina joined Visa in 2016 to lead regional Core Products team overseeing Core products (Debit, Credit and Premium), loyalty platform development, digital solutions, and push payments.

Cristina holds a Master’s Degree with Honors in Economics from IEDC-Bled School of Business, Slovenia.

Education:

In 2008, graduated from the Russian State University of Oil and Gas named after I.M. Gubkin (Russian Federation, Moscow), specializing in «Oil and Gas Geology».

Work Experience:
November 27, 2008, to December 11, 2013 – Senior Geologist, Geologist, and Operator of the 4th category for well research at Embamunaigaz JSC, Kenbay Centralized Drilling Department, Kyzylkogin District, Atyrau Region;
December 12, 2013, to September 22, 2015 – Head and Deputy Head of the Geology and Field Development Service at Embamunaigaz JSC, Kenbay Centralized Drilling Department, Kyzylkogin District, Atyrau Region;
September 23, 2015, to August 29, 2017 – Senior Engineer at the Department of Geology and Field Development at KazMunayGas Exploration Production JSC, Astana;
August 31, 2017, to April 11, 2022 – Director of the Department of Geology and Field Development at Ural Oil and Gas LLP, Uralsk, West Kazakhstan Region;
April 13, 2022, to April 14, 2022 – Acting Deputy Chairman of the Committee of Geology, Ministry of Ecology, Geology, and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana;
April 15, 2022, to May 10, 2023 – Deputy Chairman of the Committee of Geology, Ministry of Ecology, Geology, and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Nur-Sultan;
May 10, 2023, to July 24, 2023 – Deputy Chairman of the Committee of Geology, Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Nur-Sultan;
From July 25, 2023, Chairman of the Board of National Geological Service JSC.

Graduated from Wuhan University of Science and Technology with a degree in Administrative Management.
From 2014 to 2019, he worked at Xinjiang Lihua Cotton Co., Ltd. as Head of the Project Department, Assistant to the Chairman, and Deputy General Director.

From 2019 to 2024, he served as Deputy General Director of Xinjiang Lihua (Group) Co., Ltd.

Since March 2024, he has been the Chief Executive Officer of K&K 86 Ltd.

He currently heads Turkestan Textile LLP in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Emrah Erdem is an experienced professional in the mining industry with many years of expertise in project management and geological exploration.

He holds a Master’s degree in Earth Sciences from Erciyes University in Kayseri, Turkey.

Emrah began his professional career in 2005 at MMG Group, where he worked as a geologist conducting mineral exploration. From 2009 to 2011, he served as a project geologist at Avalon Mineral.

Between 2011 and 2016, he headed the Mining Development Department at Kilazzi Holding, overseeing the planning and implementation of mineral extraction projects. From 2016 to 2020, he held positions as Project Geologist and Head of Mining Development at Avesoro Holding.

In 2020, he collaborated with BHP Billiton and Centerra Gold, working as a Project Manager and Senior Mining Specialist.

From 2020 to 2023, he served as Country Manager at MTAIC, responsible for the company’s regional operations and development.

Since 2023, Emrah Erdem has been serving as the General Director of MIRYILDIZ Kz Ltd., where he oversees the company’s strategic development and the implementation of investment projects in Kazakhstan’s mining sector.

An expert in private equity and strategic consulting with 30 years of experience supporting projects and M&A in Kazakhstan and the CIS. Clients include RIXOS, Henkel, ULKER, BASF, YDD Corporation, ZETA, Hyundai, and other industry leaders, including those featured on the Forbes Kazakhstan rating. Deep knowledge of the business landscape and traditions in the Central Asia region.

Established as a professional by participating in the valuation of state-owned shares in leading industrial enterprises during privatization and later on consulting projects for PWC in Kazakhstan. Has a higher education degree specializing in international economic relations and an MBA courses of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA. Interned at consulting firms in New York and at the management department of Cornell University, Ithaca NY. Accredited external expert for the IFC, the World Bank Group.

Founder of IGM, which was recognized as a leader in management & strategic consulting in Kazakhstan in 2015 and 2017 by the RAEX rating agency. Now transformed into the global consulting group IGM Advisers (igmadvisers.com). Adviser for several investment groups operating in Central Asian countries. Has publications in Forbes, Esquire, and other business media. Personally contributes to the development of sustainable tourism by managing the non-profit Qazaq National Parks Foundation (qnpf.org).

Mr. Konratbayev has over 25 years of experience in professional services, including leadership roles across a broad range of industries and functions. Mr. Konratbayev began his career with PwC in Istanbul, Türkiye, and has since held numerous leadership roles spanning Information Systems and Risk Management, Financial Audit, and Assurance services in Kazakhstan and across Eurasia.

His career also includes a significant tenure at General Electric, where he served as CEO of GE Kazakhstan and played a pivotal role in launching operations in Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.

Mr. Konratbayev holds several esteemed professional qualifications, including membership in the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), UK, and is a certified Kazakhstan Statutory Auditor. In his current leadership capacity, Mr. Konratbayev is instrumental in guiding PwC Kazakhstan’s strategic direction and operations. He oversees the firm’s delivery of integrated services in assurance, advisory, tax, legal, and people-related solutions, ensuring value-driven outcomes for the clients.