Kairat Kelimbetov, Ph.D.

    With nearly three decades of founding and leading high-performing organizations, occupying senior-level government office positions, and serving on numerous boards, Dr. Kelimbetov’s experience includes: being a Founding Governor of the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC) - a key financial hub for the region including Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Eurasian Economic Union, the Middle East, West China, Mongolia, and Eastern Europe; Chairman of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms, Governor of the National Bank of Kazakhstan; Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan; Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission; Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Chief Executive Officer of Samruk-Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund; Minister of Economy and Budget Planning; Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Founding CEO of Kazyna Sustainable Development Fund.

    Dr. Kelimbetov has driven substantial economic reforms, established and managed major development institutions, and implemented national investment strategies and development policies in Kazakhstan, in addition to playing a significant role in the nation’s macroeconomic policy overhaul, sovereign wealth fund management and the execution of key state and corporate financial transactions.

    Dr. Kelimbetov earned a Master of Studies in Sustainability Leadership from the University of Cambridge, a Ph.D. in Economics and a BSc in Computational Mathematics and Cybernetics from Moscow State University. He attended the National Higher School of Public Administration in Almaty, Kazakhstan and he has an Executive Certificate and Pew Economic Freedom Fellowship from the Harvard Kennedy School and the E. Walsh School of Foreign Services at Georgetown University, respectively. He holds honorary professorships from Tsinghua University in Beijing, the Eurasian Economic Club of Scientists Association in Kazakhstan, and an honorary Doctorate of International Relations from the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations.

    As an international figure, Dr. Kelimbetov has represented Kazakhstan globally, fostering relations with key investment, business and governmental figures and has published extensively, including co-authoring “A Perfect Storm” a book on sustainable development.

    He is a former member of the International Advisory Board of the Ministry of Economy and Planning of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is a frequent participant and speaker at international forums and conferences, including the World Economic Forum in Davos, World Bank and International Monetary Fund annual meetings, the Qatar Economic Forum, CERA Week, the Boao Forum for Asia and the International Finance Forum. Since May, 2023, Dr. Kelimbetov has held the role of Strategic Advisor at Freedom Horizons, a subsidiary of the Company, and is considered an employee director.