Galimzhan Yessenov

Galimzhan Yessenov’s Biography

Galimzhan Yessenov is a prominent Kazakhstani businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the founder of the Shakhmardan Yessenov Science & Education Foundation, and a shareholder in Jusan Bank.

Yessenov was born in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the grandson of the eminent Kazakh scientist and political figure, Shakhmardan Yessenov. In 2013, Galimzhan founded the Shakhmardan Yessenov Foundation to advance science and education in Kazakhstan. Under his leadership, the foundation has awarded grants and scholarships to help gifted Kazakhstani students pursue higher education, both domestically and internationally. This initiative has played a vital role in nurturing the next generation of leaders and professionals in Kazakhstan.

Galimzhan’s commitment to the advancement of Kazakhstan extends to the realm of sport, which he believes plays a key role in creating a healthy society. In 2012 he helped establish the Almaty Marathon, now the largest sporting event in Central Asia. He is also closely involved with the Kazakhstan Triathlon Federation, the Almaty Triathlon Federation and the... Galimzhan Yessenov is a prominent Kazakhstani businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the founder of the Shakhmardan Yessenov Science & Education Foundation, and a shareholder in Jusan Bank.

Yessenov was born in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the grandson of the eminent Kazakh scientist and political figure, Shakhmardan Yessenov. In 2013, Galimzhan founded the Shakhmardan Yessenov Foundation to advance science and education in Kazakhstan. Under his leadership, the foundation has awarded grants and scholarships to help gifted Kazakhstani students pursue higher education, both domestically and internationally. This initiative has played a vital role in nurturing the next generation of leaders and professionals in Kazakhstan.

Galimzhan’s commitment to the advancement of Kazakhstan extends to the realm of sport, which he believes plays a key role in creating a healthy society. In 2012 he helped establish the Almaty Marathon, now the largest sporting event in Central Asia. He is also closely involved with the Kazakhstan Triathlon Federation, the Almaty Triathlon Federation and the Kazakhstan Chess Federation.

His charitable efforts also include his support of Ana Uyi (Mother’s House), a charity focused on reducing the number of Kazakhstani children being abandoned and placed in orphanages.

In 2018 Galimzhan was awarded the Order of Kurmet for his contributions to the development of the Kazakh economy and society.

Galimzhan Yessenov is involved in various industries, including telecommunications and banking. From August 2023 to September 2024, he served as Chairman of Jusan Bank, one of Kazakhstan's leading financial institutions. Yessenov is a significant shareholder in Kcell JSC, Kazakhstan’s leading mobile operator.

In 2023 and 2024, Forbes Kazakhstan recognised him as one of the 50 most influential businessmen in the country. READ MORE VIEW LESS

Galimzhan Yessenov’s Newsfeed

Annual meeting of the Yessenov Foundation winners

Galimzhan Yessenov’s Background

Jusan Bank

Chairman of the Board of Directors

Aug 2023 - Sep 2024

Almaty, KZ

Jusan Bank is a financial institution headquartered in Almaty, Kazakhstan. It provides banking services including loans, deposits, and financial products, with a focus on retail and corporate clients in Kazakhstan's financial market.

Kazphosphate LLP

Chairman of the Supervisory Board

Dec 2018 - May 2021

Almaty, KZ

Founded in 1999, Kazphosphate LLP is one of the largest producers of phosphate-based fertilizers and feed phosphates in the CIS and Europe.

View all Hide

Other Business Interests

Almaty Marathon

Founder

2012 - Present

Almaty, KZ

The Almaty Marathon is the largest sporting event in Central Asia, held annually in April. Up to 15,000 runners from 50 countries compete across five disciplines: 10km, Nordic walking, half-marathon, full marathon, and team relay.

Kazakhstan Triathlon Federation

Vice President

2017 - 2022

Astana, KZ

The Kazakhstan Triathlon Federation is a sports organization in Kazakhstan responsible for promoting and governing the sport of triathlon. It organizes events, supports athletes, and fosters the growth of triathlon in the country.

View all Hide

Philanthropy

Shakhmardan Yessenov Foundation

Founder

Jan 2013 - Present

The Shakhmardan Yessenov Science and Education Foundation is a Kazakhstani organisation that supports students and young scientists in the natural sciences through scholarships and professional development programs.

Ana Uyi (Mother's House)

Patron

Galimzhan Yessenov is a Patron of Ana Uyi, and has been funding the charity since 2014. The charity aims to prevent social orphanhood and reduce the number of children placed in orphanages.

Publications

Building Inclusivity into Business – Lessons from the World of Sport

Author

May 2024

Galimzhan highlights the benefits of inclusivity in business, emphasising how a diverse team can lead to more innovation, improved decision-making and risk management, and better representation of end users' needs.

The Lessons Elite Sport Holds for Business

Author

Mar 2024

Galimzhan Yessenov, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Jusan Bank and founder of the Almaty Marathon argues in this article for Finance Digest that embracing sporting principles offers not only a path to success, but also a blueprint for fostering unity and resilience within organisations.

Memberships

YPO (Young Presidents' Organization)

Member

YPO Kazakhstan is a local chapter of Young Presidents' Organization, a global network of young business leaders. It fosters peer-to-peer networking and leadership development among Kazakhstan's business executives and entrepreneurs.

Awards & Recognition

50 Most Influential Businessmen of Kazakhstan 2023 & 2024

Knight of the Order of Kurmet

Recipient

2018

The Order of Kurmet is a prestigious Kazakhstani state award presented to its citizens for exceptional contributions to the country's development, particularly in the fields of economics, science, social issues, culture, and education.