Kanat Sharlapayev Removed from Baiterek Board of Directors

Former presidential aide on economic affairs Kanat Sharlapayev has been dismissed from yet another senior role — this time from the board of directors of Baiterek National Management Holding, Orda.kz reports.

A document posted on the KASE website shows that Sharlapayev was officially removed from the board on October 14 by order of the company’s sole shareholder. The governing body of the holding now includes nine members, among them Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, First Deputy Roman Sklyar, and Minister of Economy Serik Zhumangarin.

This marks Sharlapayev’s third dismissal in the past month. Until February 28, 2025, he served as Minister of Industry and Construction, later becoming an economic adviser to President Toqayev. On September 25, he was dismissed from that advisory role and simultaneously lost his seat on the board of Samruq-Qazyna, the national welfare fund.

Sharlapayev had rejoined Baiterek’s board in April 2025, shortly after leaving the ministry.

His recent string of removals coincided with President Toqayev’s return from the United States, where he attended the UN General Assembly anniversary session. Given Sharlapayev’s responsibilities for attracting investment and managing relations with foreign partners, the timing could be tied to the president's dissatisfaction with his performance.

Still, two former economy ministers were recently appointed to the Presidential Administration — suggesting Sharlapayev might soon resurface in a less influential but still high-profile role within the same structure.

Original Author: Nikita Drobny