KazService Names Most Influential Figures in Kazakhstan’s Oil and Gas Sector

The Union of Oilfield Service Companies of Kazakhstan has published an updated ranking of the country’s most influential players in the oil and gas industry in its latest KazService journal, Orda.kz reports.

At the top of the list is Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov, recognized for his two decades in the sector, from Chevron Texaco to senior posts at KMG International and KazMunayGas.

Since becoming minister in March 2025, he has pushed digitalization and infrastructure expansion, insisting Kazakhstan will set oil output based on national priorities rather than OPEC+ quotas.

Second is Timur Kulibayev, a billionaire businessman and son-in-law of former President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who controls a vast portfolio of companies employing over 10,000 people. His Halyk Bank is a major creditor to the oil and gas sector, while his international ties have further strengthened his influence.

In third place is Beket Izbastin, head of PSA LLP, representing Kazakhstan’s interests in the Karachaganak and Kashagan projects. He is followed by Magzum Mirzagaliyev, former KMG general director and now presidential energy advisor.

Other top figures include Deputy Energy Ministers Alibek Zhamauov, Arymbek Kudaybergen, and Ilyas Bakytzhan, KMG chair Askhat Khasenov (ranked lower this year), his deputy Kurmanghazy Iskaziyev, and QazaqGaz general director Sanzhar Zharkeshov.

The most influential woman in the sector was named as Diana Aryssova, deputy chair of KMG, ranked 20th.

Also notable are Kazenergy chair Bolat Akchulakov (#22), KazTransOil CEO Arman Kasenov (#26), and newly appointed Atyrau Refinery head Kuanysh Bishimov (#33).

Original Author: Nikita Drobny