Galimzhan Yessenov

Galimzhan Yessenov’s Biography

Galimzhan Yessenov is a prominent Kazakh businessman, entrepreneur and charitable donor. He is the founder of the Shakhmardan Yessenov Science & Education Foundation, and Chairman of Jusan Bank.

Yessenov was born in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the grandson of the eminent Kazakh scientist and political figure, Shakhmardan Yessenov. In 2013, Galimzhan established the Shakhmardan Yessenov Foundation to promote education and science in Kazakhstan. Under Galimzhan's leadership, the foundation has provided scholarships and grants to support talented Kazakhstani students in pursuing higher education, both in Kazakhstan and abroad. 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... Galimzhan Yessenov is a prominent Kazakh businessman, entrepreneur and charitable donor. He is the founder of the Shakhmardan Yessenov Science & Education Foundation, and Chairman of Jusan Bank.

Yessenov was born in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the grandson of the eminent Kazakh scientist and political figure, Shakhmardan Yessenov. In 2013, Galimzhan established the Shakhmardan Yessenov Foundation to promote education and science in Kazakhstan. Under Galimzhan's leadership, the foundation has provided scholarships and grants to support talented Kazakhstani students in pursuing higher education, both in Kazakhstan and abroad. 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 endeavours also include patronage of Ana Uyi (Mother’s House), a foundation that works to reduce the number of 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 has business interests in several sectors including banking and telecommunications. As Chair of Jusan Bank, he leads one of Kazakhstan’s foremost financial institutions. He is also a major shareholder of Kcell JSC, the leading mobile operator in Kazakhstan. In 2023 he was named one of Kazakhstan’s 50 most influential businessmen by Forbes Kazakhstan. READ MORE VIEW LESS

Galimzhan Yessenov’s Newsfeed

Almaty Marathon: the largest running event in Central Asia

Galimzhan Yessenov, Chairman of "Courage to be the First" Corporate Fund, emphasised the Almaty Marathon's role in developing sports, promoting running culture, and boosting the city's image, highlighting its growth and charitable impact.

Galimzhan Yessenov’s Background

Jusan Bank

Chairman of the Board of Directors

Jul 2023 - Present

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.

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Other Business Interests

Almaty Triathlon Federation

Co-Founder, Trustee & former Head of Federation

2017 - Present

Almaty, KZ

The Almaty Triathlon Federation was established in 2017 to develop triathlon and cycling sports in Almaty, organise competitions, and support athletes in national and international events.

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.

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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)

Trustee

Galimzhan Yessenov is a Trustee 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

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.