BUSINESS LEADERS OF CENTRAL ASIA 2025

The “Business Leaders of Central Asia” Award brings together entrepreneurs and industry experts from across the region and is aimed at identifying and recognizing projects that have a practical impact on the development of industries and the economy.

The Award is held on a recurring basis, bringing together participants from across the region.

Within the framework of the selection process:

  • over 1,000 applications were reviewed
  • finalists were selected across key categories
  • winners were determined based on expert evaluation
Applications are now closed
The award final took place on June 27, 2025

1000+ applications • 130 finalists • international expert jury

ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE BEST
FOR THE BENEFIT OF OTHERS

GENERAL PARTNER
almau

About the Award

The Award is held with the support of AlmaU Business School and contributes to shaping a new generation of business leaders.

Our Goals

  • To identify and recognize entrepreneurs demonstrating outstanding achievements and contributions to industry development.

  • To foster a professional community of experts and entrepreneurs united by shared standards and values.
  • To advance entrepreneurship and the economies of Central Asian countries through the promotion of effective business practices.
BLCA

"Business Leaders of Central Asia" is an award that brings together the top representatives of business and establishes new benchmarks for leadership.

LB

PARTICIPATION IN THE AWARD

Why is it worth participating?

  • International recognition of professional achievements
  • Public validation of results and business practices
  • Evaluation of projects by an expert jury and industry specialists

HOW THE SELECTION PROCESS WORKS?

how
Application Process
  • how
    Filling out the application form
  • how
    Selection of applications based on formal criteria
  • how
    Collection of additional information on applications
how
Determining the finalists
  • how
    Selection of finalists by the Award's Expert Jury Council
  • how
    Invitation for finalists to the online case conference
how
Defense of finalist projects
  • how
    Presentation of business projects at the online case conference
  • how
    Completion of voting by the Award's Expert Jury Council
how
Awarding winners
  • how
    Announcement of voting results
  • how
    Ceremony for awarding the winners

NOMINATIONS

span key industries and sectors of entrepreneurial activity and are designed to identify leaders demonstrating outstanding achievements and measurable impact on market development

gem
Development leader
gem
Community Leader
gem
Leader of influence
gem
Leader of Culture
gem
Leader in the Food Industry
gem
Leader of PR promotion
gem
LEADER IN THE HOTEL BUSINESS
gem
LEADER OF BUSINESS CONSULTING
gem
SERIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP LEADER
gem
Online retail leader
gem
HR Leader
gem
Leader in Travel Innovations
gem
Leader of innovation in cosmetology
gem
Leader in Strategic Development in Construction
gem
IT Leader
gem
Leader in B2B Business Management and Development
gem
Leader in Marketing
gem
Leader in heavy machinery
gem
LEADER IN STRATEGIC MARKETING OF INTERIOR DESIGN
gem
Leader of digital transformation
gem
Leader in B2B Business Management and Growth

JURY MEMBERS

the jury panel is composed of professionals with verified industry expertise, practical experience, and recognized standing within the professional community.

Alina Farkash
Alina Farkash
Head of the Native Editing Department at NEN, she is an expert in native advertising, creative concepts, and advertising special projects.
Vladimir Smykal
Vladimir Smykal
International expert in the field of electric power engineering. A professional with 15 years of experience in developing complex solutions for laying ultra-high, high and medium voltage cable lines. Participated in state-scale and international-scale projects in Russia, Finland and Turkey.
Olga Kyrgizova
Olga Kyrgizova
Senior Product Manager at Careem with over 10 years of experience in the IT field, and a mentor for Women in Tech.
Olessya Kolesnichenko
Olessya Kolesnichenko
Director of the PR agency PR Guide. Author of the books "PR in Asian" and "Press Release from A to Z"
Mikhail Kadymov
Mikhail Kadymov
Co-owner and development director of Alfa Center, the leader of the Kazakhstan market in anti-corrosion protection in the oil and gas sector, author of scientific papers, laureate of the Business Leaders of Central Asia 2024 Award, member of the international business club UHOME
Andrey Shchelokovsky
Andrey Shchelokovsky
International entrepreneur, founder of 360 Painting of Dallas, author of expert columns in Forbes, winner of the Business Leaders of Central Asia 2024 award
Evgenii Voronin
Evgenii Voronin
Founder of an IT business specializing in self-storage automation, co-founder of a beauty salon chain, and an engineering company Seasons KZ. Franchisee of major brands: Ozon, WB, CDEK, and Maxim. Member of the Moscow Association of Entrepreneurs and an accredited resident of the KIT Kazakhstan. Expert in management, delegation, automation, and partnership. Winner of the Business Leaders competition
Zhubanysh Mustafin
Zhubanysh Mustafin
Kazakhstani entrepreneur and expert in logistics, automation, and the digitalization of transportation processes. He systematizes delivery operations for marketplaces and is the founder of Green Light, a leading freight company for the Kaspi Magazin marketplace.
Irina Vigovskaya
Irina Vigovskaya
Facilitator with 10 years of experience, TRIZ specialist. UN WOMEN partner in Kazakhstan and Central Asia (since 2018). Expert in mediation (international accreditation), complex negotiations. Ambassador of Edwards Mediation Academy (USA). Creative designer of educational processes (MBA Prague). Business Tracker (International Tracking Academy). Senior lecturer at AlmaU Higher School of Business
Leila Kokkoz
Leila Kokkoz
Facilitator Coach in Marketing and Sales. Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Leadership and Entrepreneurship (International Executive MBA, HEC School of Management, Paris, France). Brings 20+ years of executive experience spanning HR management, marketing, and sales since 2000
Ruslan Sadlovsky
Ruslan Sadlovsky
Experienced business strategist and developer specializing in sustainable construction. Experienced in international economics with extensive background in industrial manufacturing and green prefabricated construction. Most recently dedicated to developing a construction business line based on RSG's 3-D panelized building systems, providing hurricane and other disaster-resistant homes
DORIN GILESKU
DORIN GILESKU
Founder and CEO of BMG Real Estate. Leader of the Moscow commercial real estate market. Manages a portfolio of key properties, including the Severnaya Tower in Moscow City. Expert in luxury properties and strategic management
Aktoty Shurtabayeva
Aktoty Shurtabayeva
Experienced hotel business professional with 13 years of experience. Has extensive background as a front-office agent at Renaissance Atyrau Hotel, as well as in sales departments at both Renaissance and Marriott Apartments hotels. Participated in launching the eQonaq program in collaboration with Kazakhstan's Ministry of Culture and KazakhTourism, conducting preparatory work by analyzing data required for program accounting and improvement
Jamilya Kurmanova
Jamilya Kurmanova
Founder of beauty salons in the USA, business mentor, and expert in launching beauty businesses. 10+ years of experience
Elmurat Erkin Uulu
Elmurat Erkin Uulu
Distinguished entrepreneur and innovator with over 15 years of international experience. Specializes in the supply and implementation of advanced construction solutions in collaboration with more than 20 leading European manufacturers and global brands. As Commercial Director of Opes Trade LLC, he has spearheaded the introduction of antibacterial flooring for schools and hospitals, as well as the country's first air-supported sports facilities — pioneering energy-efficient, rapidly deployable structures for year-round youth training. His efforts have led to the systematic adoption of FIFA-certified artificial turf, antibacterial PVC coverings, and innovative landscaping materials in Kyrgyzstan, resulting in over 30 completed projects across the nation’s educational, healthcare, and sports sectors
Rassul Taschshanov
Rassul Taschshanov
Business tracker at the international technopark Astana Hub and the IT hub Terrikon Valley. Entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience. Guest expert at Skolkovo, Channel One, Kazinform, Turan Astana University, and others. Expert in the fields of IT startups and psychology
Olga Nizhnyk
Olga Nizhnyk
Experienced business development leader and serial entrepreneur. Founder and CEO of InsulaLabs.co, a software and AI solutions company, founder and CEO of Uppeople.co, an international IT recruitment agency. Holds the position of CBDO at Omisoft.net, where she is responsible for business development in IT services, blockchain, and artificial intelligence. Member of WTech and Young Business Club communities, she has been a speaker and mentor at TEDx, USAID Women Leadership and other events
Nodari Andguladze
Nodari Andguladze
Expert in international business and cross-cultural communication. Successfully led the expansion of a consulting company into the Dubai market, achieving self-sufficiency and stable profits in record time. Holder of the UAE Golden Visa as an outstanding management specialist and winner of the “Business Breakthrough” award. Contributed significantly to the industry by pioneering the introduction of Agile and Scrum practices in linguistic consulting within the Russian market
Tofig Karimli
Tofig Karimli
Founder and Director of TK Project LLC
Alexander Litvin
Alexander Litvin
Expert in management technologies and the implementation of ESG principles in business development. With 25+ years of corporate governance experience, he has led multiple successful business diversification and B2B collaboration projects to drive sustainable company growth. Currently serves as Regional Development Director at JSC SpecElectronKomplekt (SpecEK)
Kirill Kostyuchenko
Kirill Kostyuchenko
Founder and CEO of Fashion Atlas Group. Co-founder of EnterEsport
Dmytro Skyba
Dmytro Skyba
Independent Director, former CEO of JOOM and Lenta Online. Expert in launching e-commerce digital products
Pavlo Morozov
Pavlo Morozov
Founder and Head of San Units, an international OEM company based in China, and an expert in business development and management within the bags & leather goods industry, implementing full-cycle projects for leading companies across Russia, Kazakhstan, and Central Asia. Creator of a proprietary “one-window” business model, sustaining long-standing partnerships with key companies in the region. Member of professional industry associations and recipient of specialized business awards
Aleksei Komoza
Aleksei Komoza
Entrepreneur and expert in analog photography, film production, and archival digitization. Founder and head of the international network of laboratories Karmir Film Lab (Yerevan, Belgrade). Author of projects focused on cultural heritage preservation, including the development of innovative scanning methods for the museum sector in partnership with DT Heritage, as well as collaboration with the National Archives of Armenia
Polina Tkach
Polina Tkach
Former BCG consultant, Uber Eats strategy manager. After graduating from Wharton Business School (Ivy League) and receiving an MBA, she received an offer for the role of strategy manager at Uber Eats
Vilkov Oleg
Vilkov Oleg
Entrepreneur and small business development expert with international experience. Having started his career in 2015 in B2B sales and distribution of building materials, in 2019 he founded MOTOADVICE, a motorcycle repair and sales service that grew to two branches in two years and began to generate profits 40% higher than competitors. For this project, Vilkov received the international Prime One award in 2021 in the nomination "Best Small Business Development and Management Expert". In 2022, he founded VILKOFF SOLUTIONS LLC and the Honest Car Sales brand in the USA - a used car dealership that sells up to 60 cars per month and demonstrates one of the best customer satisfaction levels (99%) in the region. Member of the Washington State Independent Auto Dealers Association since 2022

2025 Award Winners

selected through a multi-stage competitive selection process conducted by an expert jury panel

Maira Kidassova
Maira Kidassova
NOMINATION
Development leader
Founder, Director of Sapa Transportation LLC
Zhalgas Yerlan
Zhalgas Yerlan
NOMINATION
Leader of Culture
Head of the State Institution 'Directorate for Implementing State Creative Orders' under the Astana Akimat
Assel Orazbayeva
Assel Orazbayeva
NOMINATION
Leader of PR promotion
Experienced communications expert specializing in strategic communications and reputation management. Has over 16 years of experience in PR and crisis communications, having held leadership positions at some of Kazakhstan’s largest companies, including Efes Kazakhstan, Channel 7, and Halyk Bank. Mentor at the Public Foundation “Fund of Turkic-speaking Journalists”, member of the international E-Commerce & Digital Marketing Association. Winner of the Kazakhstani “Ak Mergen” Public Relations Award in the category “Best Digital Communications Project” for the educational initiative “Bonuses for Grades.” Author of the national charitable project “100 Good Deeds” by Halyk Bank
Sergii Sokolenko
Sergii Sokolenko
NOMINATION
Leader in Strategic Development in Construction
Partner at Domus Aluminium with 15 years of experience in the construction industry. Expert in strategic planning, operational management and implementation of innovative engineering solutions. Under Sergii’s leadership, an ambitious project using complex aluminum structures was implemented — Tbilisi Outlet Village, the largest retail facility in Georgia (20,000 sq.m)
Afina Yakovidi-Koneva
Afina Yakovidi-Koneva
NOMINATION
Leader of innovation in cosmetology
Expert in innovative cosmetology with many years of experience, whose developments — the original method of correcting facial asymmetry by massage and the heating system for cosmetology couches — have predetermined industry standards. Jury member of prestigious competitions: in 2024 she evaluated the participants of the Era of Innovation Award in the MedTech Innovator and Health Tech nominations, and in 2025 she joined the jury of the Beauty & Fashion trend competition in the Best Beauty Project nomination
Alexey Yanshin
Alexey Yanshin
NOMINATION
Leader in Travel Innovations
Recognized expert in driving innovation within the travel industry. Under his leadership, cutting-edge travel tech solutions such as SabreSonic PSS and SabreRed360 were successfully implemented, streamlining passenger transportation and enhancing airline operations. Through his strategic vision and strong leadership, he has significantly impacted the industry’s evolution — setting a powerful example and inspiring peers and partners across the globe. Continues to strengthen his reputation as a prominent voice in Kazakhstan and Central Asia's business community
Rashodkhon Nasirov
Rashodkhon Nasirov
NOMINATION
Leader in Marketing
International marketing expert with 15 years of experience. Has led award-winning campaigns and product launches for Nestlé and Almarai. A product developed based on his comprehensive marketing research is now successfully sold across Gulf countries. Expansion into Central Asian markets to be explored in the future as part of broader market development opportunities
Anton Bagin
Anton Bagin
NOMINATION
IT leader
Recognized expert in the field of data analysis and machine learning. Throughout his career at Bereke Bank and Sberbank, leading financial institutions in Russia and Kazakhstan, he has successfully implemented several key projects related to the implementation of intelligent decision-making models and monitoring systems
Marat Smagin
Marat Smagin
NOMINATION
Community leader
Entrepreneur and project management expert driving the development of Central Asia's business ecosystem. Author of an MBA thesis on project management implementation. Established an innovative structure integrating consulting communities with AI technologies. Founded a media platform for business podcasts. Collaborates with leading business schools to implement educational practices. Actively engages in industry discussions fostering professional networks across the region
Farhat Seitov
Farhat Seitov
NOMINATION
Leader in the Food Industry
Successful leader in the energy drink industry who has led the company to become the largest producer in Central Asia. Under his leadership, the company has significantly increased job opportunities and investments in the country's economy. Has played a key role in strengthening "Gorilla Asia's" market position, making the company's product, Gorilla Energy Drink, the best-selling in its segment. Actively fosters innovation and strategic initiatives, contributing to the company's continued growth
Rais Agaev
Rais Agaev
NOMINATION
Leader in B2B Business Management and Growth
Founder of the Kazakhstan-based B2B automotive service network Favorit. CEO of Auto Prestige Rentals USA. Expert in automotive business management and development
Zauresh Kumarbekova
Zauresh Kumarbekova
NOMINATION
HR Лидер
Skilled facilitator and business trainer with over 20 years of experience in human resources management. Since 2012, she has conducted trainings and taught at business schools including KIMEP University. She actively shares her expertise by speaking at forums and trade fairs, and has authored two non-commercial books: HR Kazakh-Style (2019) and Building an HR Brand (2024). Author of numerous publications on HR-related topics, she contributes to developing the professional community in Kazakhstan
Mitya Baynazarov
Mitya Baynazarov
NOMINATION
Leader of influence
Blogger who explores and shares the history of Almaty through the lens of architecture. His blog covers notable events and unique locations across Almaty and other Kazakhstani cities, emphasizing their architectural distinctiveness. Thanks to his blog, he became a member of Almaty's Public Council Historical Buildings Monitoring Group, recognizing his cultural heritage preservation contributions. Sought-after speaker and university guest lecturer, his works are cited across social and traditional media, underscoring his influence in urban preservation discourse
Daniil Matyushenko
Daniil Matyushenko
NOMINATION
Leader in heavy machinery
General Director of AsiaTazhMash LLP. Recognized expert in international business strategy development. Leader who transforms businesses by combining innovative management methods with a deep understanding of international market mechanisms, creating large-scale projects that drive industry advancement
Lev Kushner
Lev Kushner
NOMINATION
SERIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP LEADER
Experienced entrepreneur and business strategist with over 32 years of experience in automotive and motor oil industry, international trade, commercial real estate construction and residential real estate investments. He has a proven track record of transforming small businesses into large enterprises, developing new market areas and establishing successful partnerships with global multinational companies. He is known for his award-winning innovations in marketing and content creation based on artificial intelligence. He is the author of a unique guide for young entrepreneurs. He is known in business landscapes in Russia, Israel and the US for his adaptability, strategic planning and innovative thinking in managing complex business landscapes
Artur Glebov
Artur Glebov
NOMINATION
Leader in Strategic Marketing of Interior Design
Expert in strategic promotion for interior design businesses. Founder and CEO of BERG TARGET agency — the marketing leader for design professionals and premium interior brands. Author of the book Unique Services for Unique Clients, ranked among the top professional marketing publications. Conducts lectures and masterclasses across CIS countries, consults studios and suppliers in the Business/Premium/Elite segments, systematizes marketing as a key competence in the design industry
Marat Smagin
Marat Smagin
NOMINATION
LEADER OF BUSINESS CONSULTING
Creator of an innovative business consulting ecosystem (#PROEKTSME) integrating management methodologies, AI solutions, educational programs, and media platforms. His team has implemented more than 4 successful consulting projects, increasing the efficiency of clients by 30%, and also created an active community of entrepreneurs with an audience of 700+ participants. His activities contribute to the development of professional networks in the region, the integration of academic knowledge and digital technologies into business practice
Alma Abdraman
Alma Abdraman
NOMINATION
Leader in the hotel business
Experienced Hospitality Executive specializing in international hotel operations, guest relations, and service excellence. As Executive Manager at Hilton Astana, led front office operations while achieving measurable guest satisfaction improvements
Eugene Mischenko
Eugene Mischenko
NOMINATION
Leader of digital transformation
Founder and President of the international E-Commerce & Digital Marketing Association (ECDMA), uniting over 750 professionals worldwide. Over 20 years of experience in e-commerce, marketing, and digital transformation. Holder of outstanding achievements in building digital business models for METRO, L’Occitane, and Sanofi. Organizer of the ECDMA Global Awards and Armenia Digital Awards, transforming companies and the market. His extraordinary abilities and contribution to the industry are recognized by international honors such as the TITAN Business Awards and the Noble Business Awards.
Litvinova Alina Vladimirovna
Litvinova Alina Vladimirovna
NOMINATION
Online retail leader
Serial entrepreneur, CEO and founder of the brand SIMPLE PARIS. An expert in product and brand launches in the field of e-commerce. Mentor. Brings over 15 years of business experience across fashion, cosmetics, retail, and HoReCa industries. In 2024, built an e-commerce ecosystem that generated over $1 million USD in revenue from scratch in just 12 months - a system she not only successfully scales within her own projects, but also teaches to her students.

INFOPARTNERS

Город24
WE
Ecdma
Accelerate
Uhome
How It Was in 2024
Award 2024