We are a team of experienced policy and public affairs professionals, bringing deep regional knowledge and hands-on sectoral expertise combined with a passion for delivering desirable outcomes for our clients.
Nazim is a seasoned professional with 20+ years of experience in leading communications, public affairs, and policy at Apple, Philips, United Nations across 16 Eurasian markets including Central Asia and the South Caucasus. Experienced in crisis communication and stakeholder management, Nazim translates critical business issues into winning public outreach tactics. Managed teams 30+ across regional markets both in-house and out-of-agency. Domain knowledge of consumer electronics, new media, digital marketplaces & ecosystems, healthcare, lighting, and real estate. M.A. in Corporate Communications, Duquesne University, USA.
Oleg is a Policy and Public Affairs Consultant with 15+ years of diverse international experience in the Tech Industry, working with a wide range of tech and cybersecurity companies in EMEA and APAC. He contributed to policy and research papers of the leading international think tanks, including UNIDIR (Switzerland), RSIS (Singapore), and ITSS Verona (Italy). As a former member of the INTERPOL Global Cybercrime Experts Group and Europol Advisory Group on Internet Security, Oleg took part in high-profile cybercrime investigations. M. A. in International Affairs, King's College London, UK. Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/E).
Evgeny brings over 15 years of expertise in government relations, policy analysis, sustainability, corporate communications, and ESG reporting. Earlier, Evgeny served as the Head of Public Affairs, Europe at a global cybersecurity company, and worked with some of the largest international communications agencies, including Edelman, PBN/Hill+Knowlton, and Grayling/MMD, advising multinational companies across various industries such as pharmaceuticals, ICT and others. He holds an MA in political science from the Higher School of Economics, Russia, and an MSc from University College London, UK.
Aizat has a strong public affairs and policy consultancy track record in Central Asia. She advised multiple international clients at Aretera Public Affairs on political and regulatory developments in the region. Prior to that, she had various roles at international development institutions like UNHCR, UNDP, Open Society Foundation, American Councils, and USAID. She has extensive experience in project management with a successful track of building project proposals, administering implementation, and delivering results. She holds a MA in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of St. Andrews, UK.
Andre Manning is a senior communications & marketing leader and trusted C-suite advisor with 25+ years international experience. Now in charge of Comms and Public Affairs at Tata Steel Nederland, he earlier was VP for Corp Comms at Switzerland based Australian packaging giant Amcor, headed PR and Public Affairs globally at Booking.com, and served as VP for Communications Royal Philips. His other roles included Managing Director at Logeion - Dutch organization for comms professionals, change management consultant at Akzo Nobel, and a Senior Consultant at Base Consulting.
Bruno Balvanera has over three decades of experience as a Development Banker focused on CIS and Latin America. During his tenure at the European Bank for Development and Reconstruction, he was Managing Director for Central Asia, Regional Director for Caucasus, Moldova, and Belarus, and Regional Director for the local offices in Russia. Bruno currently serves as an Independent Member of the Supervisory Board of Liberty Bank (Georgia) and Business Development Bank BDB (Uzbekistan). He is also a member of the Mexican think-tank COMEXI and a fintech investor.
David Gallagher is a communications industry veteran, who led Ketchum Europe for over two decades and later headed Omnicom PR Group, focusing on the holding’s PR business growth and development in Europe and Asia. In 2021 he co-authored a book “Truth Be Told: How Authentic Marketing and Communications Wins In The Purposeful Age” (with John O'Brien). A Managing Partner at Next Practices Group, an innovative ecosystem for communication businesses, he also serves as an independent advisor to agencies and NGOs in the US, Europe, and Asia.
Maggie Jones Patterson, professor of journalism at Duquesne University, is a former reporter for the Pittsburgh Press. She has co-authored four books, including "Murder in our Midst: Comparing the Ethics of Crime Coverage in a Globalized Age". She teaches Investigative Reporting, Media Ethics, Media Writing, and a course about gender in media. She is the former President of the Pittsburgh Society of Professional Journalists, and sits on the Boards of PublicSource, an online nonprofit news service for the Pittsburgh area.
Stephan Neumeier has over two decades of experience in senior management roles in technology and cybersecurity across diverse markets including Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Europe. He ran business transformation and sales excellence initiatives at Cisco, McAfee, Avaya, Intel Security, and Kroll Cyber among others. Stephan received the ACES Award as an Outstanding Leader in Asia. Stephan is a sought-after cybersecurity speaker and serves as an advisor at Root 5 Consulting, a specialist executive search firm in cybersecurity.
Erqanat is an established communication and advocacy practitioner with diverse government, private, non-profit and media management background in Kazakhstan. As a Chairman at Kazakh Association of Minority Shareholders, he proved instrumental to drive national regulation in the field of investment protection. Earlier he directed government affairs for Freedom Broker, a part of the Freedom Holding Corp., headed the Center of Social Partnership, and led corporate communications at Samruk-Kazyna, Kazakstan’s sovereign wealth fund. Editor-in-chief and a founder at www.lsm.kz and www.finmarket.kz. Law degree, KAZGUU, Kazakhstan.
Arman is a senior expert with progressive government relations and business development career in engineering, oil and gas, and FMCG. A policy advisor at ExxonMobil Kazakhstan he is tasked with boosting the company’s footprint in the nation’s largest refining enterprises - Tengiz, Kashagan, and Caspian Pipeline Consortium. Prior, he led regional external and government affairs at Philip Morris, General Electric, and British American Tobacco in Central Asia and the South Caucasus. He also has 20 years of public service experience in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and later in the Presidential Administration. Degree in Sociology, Kazan State University, Russia.
Rustam is an experienced legal professional with a 22-year track record in Kazakhstan’s corporate business. For 12 years he headed the legal team at USKO International helping clients like Procter Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive, L’Oreal, Nestle, JTI, and Adidas. Since 2014, he led legal & corporate affairs at CNPC Kazakhstan and was involved in major investment projects, including Mangistaumunaigaz, CNPC-Aktobemunaigaz, PetroKazakhstan, and others. Earlier he served as a Legal Adviser to President of KIMEP University. He currently teaches ESG, corporate law, and management at Almaty Management University. PhD in Law, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
Grigor is a dedicated legal professional with a strong educational background and extensive experience in international law, admitted to practice before the International Criminal Court. Throughout his career, Grigor has gained valuable insights into the political, social, and legal dynamics of the region. He has actively engaged in addressing systemic challenges related to the relationships between international and national bodies, including navigating the complexities of sanctions legislation. LLM from the University of Durham, UK.
Teona Bagdavadze is a highly experienced strategic communications professional specializing in business and technology. With over 15 years of expertise in public and government relations for international tech companies in Georgia and other emerging markets, Teona has worked with renowned brands such as Mastercard, Glovo, Viber, and USAID. She actively serves on the board of Women for Tomorrow, Georgia's leading business association, advocating for women's advancement in entrepreneurship and technology. Teona holds an MA in Digital Sociology from the University of Edinburgh and is pursuing a PhD at the Business and Technology University of Georgia.
Nurlan is an accomplished senior IT & Telecom professional with over 20 years of successful track record both in the government and private business. Currently, a C-level executive in Kyrgyzstan’s largest Internet provider, he is renowned for introducing innovative digital solutions to drive infrastructural improvements nationwide. As a former deputy Minister of Transport and Communications of Kyrgyzstan, he pioneered the set-up and launch of the High Technology Park of the Kyrgyz Republic, which is currently hosting around 90% of the nation's IT talent and business. M.A. in Public Administration, University of Birmingham, UK.
Almaz is a distinguished C-suite executive who has successfully led several of the largest corporate enterprises in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. As a CEO, he spearheaded BITEL, at that time the largest mobile operator in Kyrgyzstan, and LABNET, currently the premier private healthcare provider in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. During his tenure as the head of Hyundai Motor Central Asia, he bolstered the company's profitability amidst the crisis of 2008. With a wealth of experience as a high-level executive, Almaz has garnered invaluable expertise in engaging with regulatory bodies and investor community MBA candidate, Fuqua School of Business, US.
Dr. Cornel Coșer, a seasoned Moldavian-Romanian executive, specializes in international trade and strategic business development. Leading as CEO & Partner at Gateway & Partners across Moldova and Romania, he has played a pivotal role in enhancing SMEs' growth and facilitating market access on a global scale. His expertise encompasses comprehensive market analysis, export strategy formulation, research, and impact assessment. He holds a PhD in Business and Economy from the State Agrarian University of Moldova and is a Certified Export & Internationalization Consultant (CEIC) by the Institute of Export and International Trade (UK, London).
Dastan is a former senior member of the Kyrgyz government. As a Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Development, he designed and led digital development, e-governance, IT, telecom, and cybersecurity initiatives. For his efforts, Dastan received the highest state award of the Kyrgyz Republic – the «Dank» Medal of Honor. His earlier roles include Chairman of the State Registration Agency, Digital Development Advisor to the President, and Chairman of the State Committee of IT and Communications. He also advises Kyrgyzstan's largest commercial bank and telecom operator. MPA from Harvard Kennedy School, US.
Zolbayar is the Founder & CEO of Capital Markets Mongolia, a research and advisory firm in Ulaanbaatar with a broad clientele from several key industries such as banking, fintech, transportation, and manufacturing. Zolbayar is also a co-founder of Lemon Press, a leading financial media company specializing in data, news, analytics, and market insights in Mongolia. He serves as a board member of the Mongolian Association of Securities Dealers and has played a pivotal role in establishing Mongolia’s first mutual fund. He holds a master’s degree in Economics from New York University, US.
Lika is an economic development consultant with extensive experience in policy consulting and project management. She has managed and coordinated economic development initiatives led by international organizations such as World Bank, EBRD, and USAID and serves as a national consultant within UNDP's "EU Innovative Action for Private Sector Competitiveness in Georgia" and ADB's " Reinvigorating Regional Cooperation in South Caucasus and Central Asia Amid External Shocks". M.A. in Economics from the International School of Economics at Tbilisi State University.
Tariyel is the founder of Change PR, a leading comms agency in Kazakhstan, whose clients include British Airways, Intel, Coca-Cola, Carlsberg, LEGO, Xerox, UNICEF, UNDP, Etihad Airways, Boehringer Ingelheim, and others. He taught PR at KIMEP University and served in the world’s top communications agencies like PRP Weber Shandwick and Action Global Communications. He began his career as a journalist and political observer in Azerbaijan and later led ADB’s PR function in the market. Tariyel holds MA in PR and Communication Sciences from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, USA.
Chynara has over 25 years of experience shaping healthcare policies, advising regional health ministries and international organizations including WHO, USAID, UK’s DFID, Red Cross, and others across Central Asia. Lately, she’s been focused on designing and managing the USAID TB portfolio and earlier played a key role in donor-funded programs to improve the national health system in AIDS and Reproductive and Child Health. She took part in designing the national COVID-19 response and Global Health Security (GHS) implementation. MSw in Health Management and Administration from Washington University in Saint Louis.
Alyor has over 15 years of experience working in a multicultural environment in 10+ countries spanning from Uzbekistan to Mongolia and Southeast Asia. Skilled in education, international development and project management in international organizations, private foreign and Uzbek investment companies, banking sector and the State Service sector of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Alyor also provides services as a private consultant in recruitment, learning and development and career advisory. B. A. in International Relations from Tashkent State Institute of Oriental Studies.
Daniil is a certified management consultant and quality management auditor. He contributed to national development projects in Turkmenistan advising EBRD, USAID, and UN bodies. A managing partner at MCT, Daniil holds Gabriel Al-Salem Award in management consulting. He is a member of WAPOR, ESOMAR, and the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs in Ashgabat. A head of consulting at the Economists Union, he is also a co-founder of the Ashgabat Business Angels Club and Start-up Club, and an advisor to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Degree in history, Turkmen State University.
Tatyana, a prolific entrepreneur with a strong background in strategic communications, founded multiple successful ventures. Her extensive experience in managing large-scale projects involving numerous stakeholders and complex logistics includes high-profile projects and events. Her diverse client portfolio includes companies such as Mastercard, Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Bosch, Turkish Airlines, Uber, as well as various ministries and government entities in Azerbaijan and abroad. She is a graduate of Azerbaijan Civil Engineering University and London School of Public Relations (LSPR).
Murad Muradov is a co-founder and deputy director of the Topchubashov Center, an independent, non-governmental non-profit international relations think tank in Azerbaijan. He is an expert in the security and geopolitics of the Caucasus, post-Soviet countries, international political economy and energy affairs. He is also a member of prestigious fellowships worldwide, including the John Smith Trust Fellowship for Wider Europe (2017). Murad holds M.A. in Diplomacy and International Affairs from the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy and an M.Sc. in Comparative Politics from the London School of Economics, UK.
Sevil is a co-founder and managing director of Uzbekistan’s first specialized PR agency Maslov:Tashkent and a successful marketing entrepreneur and influencer. She worked with leading global corporations, such as Mastercard, Oracle, Honeywell, Western Union, Philips, Carlsberg, and Acwa Power, as well as with local market leaders, including Akfa Group, TBC Bank, Korzinka, and Uzum. She designed a communications strategy for the presidential electoral campaign in 2021 and worked with a wide range of state agencies and international organizations. Sevil holds a BA in Journalism from the Uzbek State University of World Languages and an EMBA from Team University.
As the Chief Investment Officer at Accelerate Prosperity, Asadbek spearheads a proficient investment team and steers a tech-centric portfolio within Tajikistan's foremost enterprise accelerator. Previously, Asadbek co-founded and managed a local consulting firm to advise UNDP, the US Embassy, Oxfam, CNPC, TBEA, and TALCO. In 2006-20 as CFO, he played a pivotal role in structural reforms at the flagship companies, including Tcell, Somon Air, TALCO, and Orien Group. Asadbek volunteers as a Financial Adviser and mentor at the National Council and the PEAK Enterprise and Innovation Programme. MBA, Kyrgyz-Russian Slavonic University, Kyrgyzstan.
Haliunaa is an Executive Partner at a law firm in Mongolia with over 15 years of professional track in both private and public domains. She served as a Chief Compliance Officer at Ard Financial Group, the largest diversified holding company in the nation where she facilitated major M&A deals and spearheaded the legal team through the company’s IPO. Earlier, she was a Legal Counsel at APU, the country’s largest brewer and beverage manufacturer. As a Legal Counsel at the National Authority for Children, Haliunaa drafted key laws and regulations to safeguard children’s rights. A member of the Mongolian Bar Association. MBA Finance at Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK.
Lola is a banking professional with an impressive career trajectory within the leading Uzbek banks, where she oversaw loan and microcredit departments. More recently, she has transitioned into consulting EBRD, World Bank, FAO (UN), and other multilateral institutions on corporate governance, microcredit, and gender equality. She champions female entrepreneurship, with a focus on volatile groups in rural areas. Fluent in four languages, she bridges cultural divides within Uzbekistan, catering to the diverse market needs of global brands like P&G, Nestle, and PepsiCo, facilitating seamless market access strategies.