The Sixth Annual Rating*
TOP-50
The most influential people
In Oil and Gas industry of Kazakhstan
In 2022, the KAZSERVICE journal presents its traditional Annual Rating of the most influential people in Oil and Gas industry of Kazakhstan.
This rating is based solely on the opinions and assessments received from experts and representatives of the national oil and gas industry of Kazakhstan according to the results of the survey.
How the results were evaluated?
More than 30 experts were involved, among them experienced journalists, analysts, employees of consulting agencies, and also the representatives of large companies. They were given a long-list of 99 potential candidates of the rating for an objective assessment of candidates by the level of influence in the industry.
Several criteria were taken into the consideration, such as the value of the company, its share in the oil production market, taxes payed to the budget, staff of competent and qualified workers, and the social and the economic importance of the company in the industry.
The position held by the candidate is an important factor that has a big impact to the sector. This year there have been a number of personnel changes that directly affected the positions of candidates.
*- The published rating cannot be used as an official document. All data is taken from the open sources of the governmental portal, analytical reports and the published articles. Usage of this information is allowed under the obligatory condition of rewriting and reference to this journal with the consent of its publisher.
1 Bolat AKCHULAKOV
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The sixth annual rating this time was headed by Bolat Akchulakov. Since January 2022, Bolat Akchulakov has been appointed as the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
He personally participated in meetings on the OPEC + deal in negotiations on maintaining the special status of Kazakhstani oil in the framework of Western sanctions against the Russian Federation. Approved the Roadmap for the development of Kazakhstan's oilfield services.
2 Magzum MIRZAGALIYEV
As an Advisor to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, he oversaw energy issues. In April 2022, he was appointed as the Chairman of the Management Board of KazMunayGas NC, JSC.
3 Timur KULIBAYEV
Timur Kulibayev, who led the rating for several years in a row, dropped to the third place. This is due to the resignation of the Chairman of the Presidium of the “Atameken” Chamber of the Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan, the transfer of his shares in Petrosun, LLP, the largest company in the fuel and lubricants market to KazMunayGaz NC, JSC, as well as the sale of a stake in KazAzot, JSC.
However, Timur Kulibayev is still the beneficiary of a dozen companies in the oil and gas business, which includes oil and gas production, oilfield services and oil and gas engineering
4 Nurlan NOGAYEV
Despite the decrease by one position compared to the previous rating, it is worth noting that for the entire history of the rating, for the first time, it includes a representative of the local executive authority – Akim (Governor) of the Mangistau region.
Nurlan Nogayev made a significant contribution to the resolution of social conflicts in the Mangistau region. Also, according to sources, from now on all important social and labor issues of employees of subsidiaries of KazMunayGaz NC, JSC are subject to agreement with the head of the Mangistau region.
5 Beket IZBASTIN
PSA, LLP, the authorized body headed by him, controls and optimizes the costs at the projects of the Kashagan, Karachaganak and Dunga fields.
For example, for violations of procurement procedures for the construction of a sea canal in the Northern Caspian, PSA LLP set these costs as non-reimbursable from Kazakhstani oil.
6 Murat ZHUREBEKOV
Murat Zhurebekov, the First Vice-Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan distinguished himself with his spring trip to the United States to address issues of the special status of oil pipeline routes and Kazakhstani oil.
Also, he was directly involved in negotiations on additional processing of Karachaganak raw gas in the amount of 1.8 bn cubic meters for the domestic market of the country, as well as negotiations with Sibur Holding on participation in a polyethylene project.
7 Serikkali BREKESHEV
Since September 2021, he has been appointed as the Minister of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan. He was directly involved in the development of the National Project for the Development of the Exploration Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2021-2025.
8 Asset MAGAUOV
Rightfully holding the position of Vice-Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, he is responsible for the ongoing stabilization of prices for fuels and lubricants, as well as the development of new differentiated tariffs for diesel fuel.
9 Kenzhebek IBRASHEV
Since April 2021, he was appointed as the General Director of the KAZENERGY Association and he is the Chairman of the Oil and Gas Industry Committee of the Presidium of ATAMEKEN Chamber.
Over the years, Ibrashev headed the PSA Authority, KazMunayGas EP, JSC, Kazmunayteniz, JSC and Kazakhstan Caspian Shelf, JSC.
10 Uzakbay KARABALIN
Uzakbay Karabalin is one of the honorable veterans of oil industry of Kazakhstan. He started his professional career with research work and was engaged in science.
Later he managed large oil and gas companies and the Ministry of oil and gas of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Today he is the member of the Board of Directors of KazMunayGas NX, JSC and the Deputy Chairman of KAZENERGY Association.
11 Kevin LYON
Staring from February 1, 2021, Kevin Lyon has been appointed as the new head of the largest oil producing company and the largest taxpayer in Kazakhstan – Tengizchevroil, LLP.
According to the results of the first half of this year, Tengizchevroil, LLP increased its production by 6%. Moreover, since February 2022, the wages of all shift workers of the operator and contracting companies have been increased by 50%.
12 Askhat KHASENOV
In January 2022, Askhat Khasenov was appointed as the Vice-Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In a new field, he protects the interests of Kazakhstani business in the dialogue held with the oil companies. New contracts were signed for twelve hydrocarbon blocks assigned by the results of the auctions held.
13 Kurmangazy ISKAZIYEV
The Deputy Chairman of KazMunayGas NC, JSC for exploration and production in the oil and gas industry he has established himself as the effective manager. Since his appointment, he has been deeply involved into solvation of the difficult social and production issues of people who work in the oil sector in the western region of the country.
14 Olivier LAZARE
In August 2021, the former head of the Shell concern in Kazakhstan has been appointed managing director of NCOC N.V., the operator of the largest field "Kashagan". The total investments made in the Kashagan project have exceeded 70 bn US dollars for all time.
Under his management, the scheduled preventive maintenance work at the Kashagan field was successfully completed ahead of schedule.
15 Giancarlo RUIU
Since April 2021, Giancarlo Ruiu has been successfully managing Karachaganak Petroleum Operating. Under his management, the Karachaganak Expansion Project (KEP-1) was launched, and the necessary conditions were created to update the local content policy.
16 Sanzhar ZHARKESHOV
Since March 2022, he has been the Chairman of the Board of QazaqGaz NC, JSC. He has the extensive international management experience in the oil and gas sector, he conducted an audit in the national company since his appointment. He also achieved the status of priority right under contracts for gas and gas condensate, and is actively engaged in the transformation of the national company.
17 Alibek ZHAMAUOV
As a Deputy General Director for contracts, implementation and audit of oil operations account of PSA Authority, Alibek Zhamauov supervises all key issues on the Karachaganak and North Caspian (Kashagan) projects. He actively promotes the interests of local content development at the Kashagan and Karachaganak projects.
18 Zhanat ZHAKHMETOVA
Zhanat Zhakhmetova, the Vice-Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, runs the process of digitalization and automation of the country's energy industry. Under her leadership, constant work is underway to digitalize the fuel and energy complex of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In the current year, an information system for accounting for oil and gas condensate was launched for organizations that carry out more than 60% of the total oil production and refining.
With the support of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the digital platform of the Chevron Direct Investment Fund was launched to apply for financing investment projects.
19 Talgat KURMANBAYEV
By the Decision of the Board of Directors in February 2022, he was appointed as the Chairman of the Board of KazTransOil, JSC. Talgat Kurmanbayev in different years held senior positions in KazMunayGas NC, JSC, Samruk-Kazyna NWF, JSC, KazMunayGas-Aero, LLP, as well as in the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
In the reporting period, for the first half of 2022, 19.959 mln tons of oil was transported through the system of main pipelines of KazTransOil, JSC.
20 Maksat IBAGAROV
Maksat Ibagarov went through all stages of production of OzenMunayGas, JSC, also he served as akim of Zhanaozen. Since April 2022, he has been appointed as the General Director of OzenMunayGas, JSC. The company currently employs over 9,000 people. It should be noted that OzenMunayGas, JSC employs the largest staff among oil companies in Kazakhstan.
21 Yesen KAYRZHAN
Since January 2020, he has been working as the Chairman of the Board of EmbaMunayGas, JSC. In 2022, the company increased the hydrocarbon production by 4.5% in the first half of 2022 and plans to further increase the production.
22 Dauren KARABAYEV
In February 2022, he was appointed as the Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of KazMunayGas NC, JSC for Economics and Finance. He has vast experience in the field of finance and he will have to bring the national company to an IPO, which is a very responsible task.
23 Dastan ABDULGAFAROV
Dastan Abdulgafarov has 19 years of experience in the group of KazMunayGas National Company. As the Deputy Chairman of the Board of KazMunayGas he is responsible for strategy, investment and business development of the national company.
24 Arman KAIRDENOV
In May 2022, he was appointed as the Deputy Chairman of the Board of KazMunayGas NC, JSC for oil refining and petrochemistry. Arman Kairdenov will be responsible for the operation of oil refineries and the development of petrochemistry.
25 Murat MUNBAYEV
Deputy Chairman of KazMunayGas NC, JSC for major oil and gas projects. Murat Munbayev will have to hold the series of negotiations in the interests of the country on the projects of the Tengiz, Kashagan and Karachaganak fields. Murat has over 15 years of experience in international oil and gas companies.
26 Bulat ZAKIROV
In May 2022, he was appointed as the Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of KazMunayGas NC, JSC for oil transportation, international projects and the construction of the Saryarka gas pipeline. Over the years, he held senior positions in KMG – Transcaspian, LLP and KazTransOil, JSC. He will be responsible for the development of the additional routes for the transportation of oil.
27 Murat DOSMURATOV
Murat Dosmuratov supervised the commissioning of the Rominserv SRL branch in the Republic of Kazakhstan (PPCR isomerization unit). Over the years, he held senior positions in KazMunayGas NC, JSC, KPI Inc., LLP and KLPE, LLP.
In accordance with the decision of the general meeting of participants, in July 2022, he was appointed as the General Director of Atyrau Oil Refinery LLP.
28 Rashid ZHAKSYLYKOV
An active lobbyist of the development of Kazakhstani content, he is the Chairman of the Presidium of the Association of Oil Service Companies of Kazakhstan, which unites about 180 companies. He is directly involved in negotiation processes with large operators, representing the interests of local and foreign contractors. With his assistance, various consortia and joint ventures were created between foreign and Kazakh companies.
29 Wei YUXIANG
Wei Yuxiang is the head of CNPC-Aktobemunaigaz, JSC, one of the largest oil producing companies in the Aktobe region. The year of 2022 marks the 25th
anniversary of CNPC's investment activities in the Aktobe project. Since 1997, the company has produced over 144 mln tons of oil and 80 bn cubic meters of the natural gas in cumulative terms. In 2022, the term of the largest contract No. 76 expires, on which the negotiations to extend the terms are held.
30 Daniyar TIYESSOV
Currently, he is the Chairman of the Board of KPI Inc., LLP. Daniyar Tiesov is responsible for the launch of the largest plant for the production of polypropylene, with a capacity of up to -.5 mln tons per year, the launch of gas chemical projects for the production of synthetic rubber, isobutane, the construction of a GSU at Tengiz. He also manages the execution of the joint project for the production of polyethylene with Sibur Holding, as well as the construction of the Zhanaozen GPP.
31 Dauletzhan KHASSANOV
He is the General Director of Mangistaumunaigas, JSC, one of the largest oil producing companies in Kazakhstan in terms of production volumes. Mangistaumunaigas, JSC is in the TOP-3 of the largest taxpayers in Kazakhstan. The company produced around 5.9 mln tons of oil and paid 290 bn tenge of taxes in 2021. Dauletzhan Khasanov previously headed CNPC-AiDan Munai, JSC and Buzachi Operating Ltd.
32 Derek MAGNESS
Derek Magness has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Chevron's Eurasian Business Unit (EBP). Effective January 1, 2022, he succeeds John Baltz, who has held this position since 2018. Derek Magness joined Chevron in 1997 as a surface engineer. He then held a number of responsible and managerial positions at Chevron in South Africa, Angola, Poland, the UK and the USA. Derek Magness also worked in Kazakhstan as EBP Deputy Managing Director from 2009-2012.
33 Yermek MARABAYEV
He is currently the Deputy Managing Director of NCOC N.V., operator of the largest Kashagan field. He is a hereditary oilman with 35 years of experience in various oil and gas projects in Kazakhstan. As part of the Supplier Improvement Program, he is actively developing local content on projects implemented by NCOC.
34 Kuanysh KUDAIBERGENOV
Kuanysh Kudaibergenov holds the position of Deputy General Director of Karachaganak Petroleum Operating. From 2017 to 2021 he served as Director of the Oil Industry Development Department of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
At various times, he held various positions in KMG-Kansu Operating, LLP, Rompetrol S.A., KazMunayGas NC, KMG, Caspian Meruerty Operating Company B.V., KazMunayTeniz MNC, Integra, CJSC.
35 Konilkosh SUIESINOV
Since June 1, 2022, Konilkosh Suesinov has been appointed to the position of Deputy General Director of the largest oil producing company of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Tengizchevroil LLP. His appointment is based on his extensive international experience in oil projects in senior positions with KazMunayGas NC, JSC.
Since his appointment, he has been actively involved in solving problematic issues of interaction between Tengizchevroil, LLP and contractors and increasing local content
36 Luciano VASQUES
New head of the Italian company Eni in Kazakhstan and Central Asia since August 2020. Over the years, he had leading positions in the North Caspian and Karachaganak projects. In Kazakhstan, Eni is a joint operator of the Karachaganak project (29.25%), Isatai Operating Company (50%), Abay (50%), as well as a shareholder in Kashagan (16.81%). Eni accounts for 7.1% of oil production in Kazakhstan
37 Bian DEZHI
As the head of CNPC International in Kazakhstan, he oversees a number of large oil producing assets (Aktobemunaigas JSC, Northern Buzachi, KAM, CNPC-Aidan Munai JSC, 67% in PetroKazakhstan, 50% in Mangistaumunaigas JSC, 8, 33% in NCOC) and main pipelines in the country. CNPC is one of the largest investors; over 25 years, it has allocated over 400 mln USD to social and charitable projects in Kazakhstan.
38 Marat ORMANOV
Since May 2022, he has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of KazTransOil, JSC. He has more than 25 years of experience in the oil and gas industry of Kazakhstan. For a long time he run Kazmortransflot, JSC. Previously, he held the position of Director of the Transportation and Logistics Department in KazMunayGas NC, JSC.
39 Sergey KAN
A businessman from the Kazakhstani Forbes list owns shares in KGNT EC, LLP, the largest Kazakhstani engineering company, Bolashak-Atyrau, LLP (the largest recruiting agency) and Caspian Offshore Construction, LLP (sea vessels). Owns half of the shipping company Circle Maritime Invest, shares of the Rixos Almaty hotel and Teniz Star, LLP. Also owns 50% of Kazakh Institute of Oil and Gas, JSC.
Member of the Board of Directors of CAPEC, JSC and CAEPCO, JSC. Advisor to the President of KazNIPI-Energoprom Institute, JSC, Executive Director of Caspian Offshore Construction, LLP, President of Circle Maritime Invest, JSC, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kazakh Institute of Oil and Gas, JSC. Member of the IQanat educational project.
40 Daniyar ABULGAZIN
This year, Daniyar Abulgazin went down in the rankings due to the loss of the post of Chairman of the Oil Industry Committee of the Presidium of Atameken Chamber and the transfer of the share of Petrosun, LLP to KazMunayGas NC, JSC.
However, he still owns ADD Trade, LLP and Arion Invest Commerce, LLP, has shares in Jibek joly Cargo, LLP (container transportation), Gas Energy Trade, LLP, Prime Case, LLP (Qazaq Oil gas station chain).
41 Jambulat SARSENOV
Jambulat Sarsenov is the Deputy Chairman of the KAZENERGY Association. He was appointed as the Vice-President of Marketing and Member of the Executive Committee of the World Petroleum Council. Concurrently, he is the Chairman of the Committee of the pharmaceutical, medical industry and medical services of the Presidium of the Atameken Chamber.
42 Serikzhan SEYTZHANOV
Serikzhan Seitzhanov is the head of SOUTH-OIL, LLP. The Seitzhanov family also owns 100% of the Ontustik Holding, which includes the Smart Oil drilling company, the Munai Kurylys Service Construction Company and the Standard Cement Plant. He has been actively involved in obtaining subsoil use rights for oil and gas areas for the second year in a row.
43 Yerkin TATISHEV
Co-owner and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kusto Group, holder of a controlling stake in United Minerals Group Limited. He owns the shares in the mining asset of KazPetrolGroup. Tumar Petrol, a company controlled by the Tatishev family, acquired Zhaiyk, Kokbulak and Sarylan oil and gas fields at a subsoil use rights auction for oil and gas blocks held in July 2022.
44 Baltabek KUANDYKOV
Doctor of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences Dr. Kuandykov is one of the veterans in oil industry. He is the head of Kazakhstan Society of Petroleum Geologists. The «Meridian Petroleum» oil company, headed by him, announced the discovery of a large oilfield at the Tepke site, in Mangistau region at the beginning of 2022.
45 Ibragim AKDRASHEV
The owner of Neftestroyservis LTD, LLP, which performs construction and installation works and services mainly in the Tengiz region. The company includes Consolidated Contractors-Kazakhstan, LLP, CIS Kashagan, LLP, Kentz Kazakhstan, LLP and KazakhNefteGazService, LLP. He also owns the trading company Karat LLP. Despite the pandemic, the company has retained jobs and employs more than 5,000 people.
46 Michael KRALY
Project Director of the FGP-WPMP at Tengiz oilfield. This project will increase production by additional 12 mln t of oil per year. The project budget was increased from 37 bn USD to 45 bn USD. Due to the pandemic, the launch of expansion facilities at Tengiz was postponed by a period of three and seven months, respectively. Now the projected launch date of WPMP facilities — March 2023, FGP — November 2023.
47 Aibek KRAMBAYEV
In 2021, Aibek Krambayev was appointed as an Advisor to General Director of Tengizchevroil Company. The representatives of Kazakhstani business note that with his appointment, the Tengizchevroil policy on local content development has been intensified. He has extensive experience in leading positions in the PSA Authority
48 Askhat DUISALIYEV
Askhat Duisaliyev has the rich management experience in the field of oil service and positions in both as a member of the Board of Directors of MangistauMunayGas, JSC and the Director of the Department of Oilfield Service and Hydrocarbon Recycling Projects of KazMunayGas NC, JSC. Previously, he worked as the President of the largest Kazakh drilling KazPetroDrilling Holding, which provides oilfield services at the Uzen, Emba, Dunga and Ansagan fields..
49 Mukhtar MANKEYEV
Appointed as a General Director of Information and Analytical Centre for oil and gas, JSC, subsidiary of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mukhtar Mankeyev is responsible for daily oil and gas production analytics. In his previous positions, he has established himself as the competent manager, reformer and a crisis-manager.
50 Almas KUDAIBERGEN
Centrasia Group Holding controlled by Almas Kudaibergen, provides services in large oil projects in Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkey and Georgia. In addition, Almas Kudaibergen is a co-founder of the Association of Oil Services Companies of Kazakhstan (KazService), the Chairman of the Bolashak Presidential Scholarship Alumni Association and a Member of YPO.