BUSINESS LEADERS OF CENTRAL ASIA 2025

Applications are now open

ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE BEST
FOR THE BENEFIT OF OTHERS

GENERAL PARTNER

About the Award

The award is held for the second consecutive year with the support of the AlmaU Business School and continues to foster a new generation of business leaders.

Our Goals

To identify and reward the best entrepreneurs in the region.

To build a community of professionals united by shared values.

To promote the development of business and the economy in Central Asia.

PARTICIPATION IN THE AWARD

Why is it worth participating?

Recognition on an international level

An opportunity to showcase your achievements to a wide audience

Networking with leading experts and entrepreneurs in the region

NOMINATIONS

Development leader

Community Leader

Influencer Leader

Leader of Culture

Leader in the Food Industry

Leader of PR promotion

HR Leader

Leader in Travel Innovations

Leader of innovation in cosmetology

Leader in Strategic Development in Construction

IT Leader

Leader in Marketing

Leader in heavy machinery

JURY MEMBERS

Evgenia Sonts

Chair of the Expert Council of the Jury. Founder of the PR agency ApPRove, with over 25 years of experience in the profession, she is an expert in promoting the personal brand of business owners.

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

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

Senior Product Manager at Careem with over 10 years of experience in the IT field, and a mentor for Women in Tech.

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

Olessya Kolesnichenko

Director of the PR agency PR Guide. Author of the books "PR in Asian" and "Press Release from A to Z"

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

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

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

A 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 the AlmaU Higher School of Business

Leila Kokkoz

Marketing consultant. Managing partner of the company "BizES". Master of Business Administration with a specialization in "Leadership and Entrepreneurship" (International Executive MBA, HEC School of Management, France, Paris). In management positions since 2000, including in the field of human resources management, marketing and sales.

GILESKU DORIN

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

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

Ruslan Sadlovsky

Experienced business strategist and developer specializing in sustainable construction. Experienced in international economics and extensive experience in industrial manufacturing and green prefabricated construction. Most recently dedicated to developing a business line of construction based on RSG's 3-D panelized building systems, providing hurricane and other disaster resistant homes

Aktoty Shurtabayeva

Experienced hotel business expert with 13 years of work experience. Has extensive experience as a front-office agent at the Renaissance Atyrau hotel, as well as in the sales department at Renaissance and Marriott Apartments hotels. Participated in the launch of the eQonaq program in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and KazakhTourism, where she conducted preparatory work by analyzing the necessary data for the accounting and improvement of the program

Jamilya Kurmanova

Founder of beauty salons in the USA, business mentor, and expert in launching beauty businesses. 10+ years of experience

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

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

An expert in international business and intercultural communications. Brought a consulting company to the Dubai market, achieving self-sufficiency and stable profits in record time. Holder of the UAE Golden Visa as a highly qualified manager. Winner of the Business Breakthrough competition. Made a significant contribution to the industry, being the first to introduce elements of Agile and Scrum in linguistic consulting on the Russian market.

Tofig Karimli

Founder and Director of TK Project LLC

Alexander Litvin

An expert in management technologies and the implementation of ESG principles in business development. With over 25 years of experience in corporate governance, he is the author of multiple successful projects in business diversification and B2B collaboration, aimed at fostering sustainable company growth. Currently serves as Regional Development Director at JSC “SpecElectronKomplekt” (SpecEK).

Kostyuchenko Kirill

Founder and CEO of Fashion Atlas Group. Co-founder of EnterEsport

Dmytro Skyba

Independent Director, ex-CEO of JOOM and Lenta Online Expert in launching digital products in the e-commerce category

Победители Премии 2025

Daniil Matyushenko

НОМИНАЦИЯ
Leader in heavy machinery

General Director of LLP AsiaTazhMash. Recognized expert in building international business strategies. Leader who transforms businesses by combining innovative management methods with a deep understanding of international market mechanisms, creating large-scale projects that contribute to the dynamic development of the industry

Mitya Baynazarov

НОМИНАЦИЯ
Leader of influence

Blogger who explores and shares the history of Almaty through the lens of architecture. In his blog, discusses events and interesting places in the city, as well as other cities in Kazakhstan, highlighting their unique features. Thanks to his blog, became a member of the monitoring group for historical buildings under the public council of Almaty, which reflects his contribution to the preservation of cultural heritage. Regular guest for interviews and guest lectures at universities in the city. His work is cited in both social media and traditional media, emphasizing his influence and significance in the discussion of urban architecture and history

Zauresh Kumarbekova

НОМИНАЦИЯ
HR Лидер

Skilled facilitator and business trainer with over 20 years of experience in human resources management. Since 2012, has been conducting training sessions and teaching at several business schools, including KIMEP University. 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). As an author of numerous publications on HR-related topics, contributes to developing the professional community in Kazakhstan

Farhat Seitov

НОМИНАЦИЯ
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

Marat Smagin

НОМИНАЦИЯ
Community leader

Entrepreneur and expert in project management, actively developing the business ecosystem of Central Asia. With an MBA thesis on the implementation of project management, created a structure that unites consulting communities and AI technologies. Also founded a media platform for business podcasts and collaborates with business schools to implement educational practices. Actively participates in industry discussions, creating professional connections in the region

Anton Bagin

НОМИНАЦИЯ
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, has successfully implemented several key projects related to the implementation of intelligent decision-making models and monitoring systems

Rashodkhon Nasirov

НОМИНАЦИЯ
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 the Gulf countries. Expansion into Central Asian markets to be explored in the future as part of broader market development opportunities

Alexey Yanshin

НОМИНАЦИЯ
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, has made a significant impact on 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 the business community of Kazakhstan and Central Asia

Afina Yakovidi-Koneva

НОМИНАЦИЯ
Leader in cosmetology

Expert in innovative cosmetology with many years of experience, whose developments — the author's 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 & Fashiontrend competition in the “Best Beauty Project” nomination

Sergii Sokolenko

НОМИНАЦИЯ
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, with an area of 20,000 sq.m

Assel Orazbayeva

НОМИНАЦИЯ
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 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

Zhalgas Yerlan

НОМИНАЦИЯ
Leader of Culture

Head of the State Institution "Directorate for the Implementation of State Creative Order" of the Akimat of Astana

Maira Kidassova

НОМИНАЦИЯ
Development leader

Founder, Director of Sapa Transportation LLC

INFOPARTNERS

History of the award

Since the first event in 2024, we have:

United over 1,000 participants
Identified winners in key categories
Received support from business and media leaders in Central Asia

In 2025, the competition will be even larger in scale and will provide participants with new opportunities for growth and recognition.

How It Was in 2024

Award 2024