Who became the winner of the "Business Leaders of Central Asia 2025" award

Every generation gives rise to its own leaders. Where challenges existed yesterday, solutions are born today. The “Business Leaders of Central Asia 2025” Award concluded in triumph — the names of those who are writing a new chapter in the region’s development through their achievements have been announced.

Impressive Numbers

— more than 500 entrepreneurs from 7 countries
— a wide range of categories from cosmetology to culture
— two years of successful organization with the support of AlmaU
— one mission: to identify the architects of the future.

Last year demonstrated that the competition works. The 2024 laureates scaled their businesses, launched new projects, and became mentors. This year exceeded all expectations in terms of scale and international participation.

Top-Tier Experts

Who determined the fate of the finalists? A jury where every member is a legend in their field.

Pavel Morozov — founder and head of the international OEM company San Units, an expert in business development and management in the bags & leather goods industry, implementing full-cycle projects for industry leaders in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Central Asian countries. Creator of the proprietary “one-stop-shop” business model, ensuring long-term partnerships with system-forming companies in the region. Member of professional industry associations, laureate of specialized business awards.

Vladimir Smykal — an international expert in the power industry with 15 years of experience, participant in state projects in Russia, Finland, and Turkey. His experience in laying ultra-high-voltage cable lines forms the basis of energy security for entire regions.

Andrey Shchelokovsky — an international entrepreneur, founder of 360 Painting of Dallas, author of expert columns in Forbes. A 2024 award laureate, he knows from personal experience what it means to be a leader in Central Asia.

Rasul Tashtanov — a business tracker at the Astana Hub International Technopark, an expert at the Skolkovo Foundation with over 10 years of experience. With expertise in IT startups and psychology, he is able to identify potential where others see only ideas.

Alina Farkash, Head of Native Newsroom at NEN and expert in creative concepts
Our evaluation system prioritizes measurable impact. We analyze how individual achievements influence broader industry transformation and regional economic benefits.

The full composition of the expert jury is available on the official contest website.

Heroes of Our Time

Daniil Matyushenko — leader in heavy machinery. General Director of AsiaTyazhMash LLP, expert in international business strategies. Combines innovative management methods with an understanding of global market mechanisms.

Rashodhon Nasirov — leader in marketing. An international marketing expert with 15 years of experience. Author of award-winning campaigns and launches for Nestlé and Almarai. Based on Rashodhon’s comprehensive marketing research, a product was developed that is successfully sold in Gulf countries. Expansion into Central Asian markets is under consideration.

Afina Yakovidi-Koneva — leader in cosmetology innovations. Her proprietary developments, including a method for correcting facial asymmetry through massage and a heating system for cosmetology beds, have set new industry standards. Afina is an expert in innovative cosmetology with many years of experience, a jury member at prestigious competitions: “Era of Innovations” in the MedTech Innovator and Health Tech categories, and the Beauty & Fashiontrend competition in the “Best Beauty Project” category.

Sergey Sokolenko — leader in strategic development in construction.
Partner at Domus Aluminium, with 15 years of experience in the construction industry. An expert in strategic planning, operational management, and the implementation of innovative engineering solutions. Under Sergey’s leadership, the Tbilisi Outlet Village was created — the largest retail facility in Georgia, covering an area of 20,000 square meters.

Categories Shaping the Future

From consulting to heavy machinery — the competition covered all sectors where breakthroughs are born:

Leader in Cosmetology Innovations — the beauty technologies of the future.

Leader in Strategic Development in Construction — the architecture of new opportunities.

Leader in Marketing — the art of brand creation.

Leader in Heavy Machinery — the industry that drives the economy.

Leader in the Hospitality Industry — world-class service.

Leader in Consulting — growth strategies.

The Main Idea

Central Asia is not just a geographical region. It is an ecosystem of opportunities where each leader creates a ripple effect. The success of one entrepreneur in Almaty inspires a startup founder in Tashkent. An innovation in Astana scales up in Bishkek. The Award proves that the region has world-class leaders. Now they are known and talked about.

What’s Next

The winners received more than just awards. They became part of an exclusive community where:

— they exchange experience with international-level experts
— they gain access to new markets through their network
— they participate in development programs supported by AlmaU
— they become mentors for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Conclusion: Central Asia has its own heroes. They do not wait for change — they create it.