Kazakhstan’s presidential press service Akorda has confirmed the appointment of prominent businessman Raimbek Batalov as External Advisor to the President.

In his new role, Batalov will oversee issues related to the development of entrepreneurship, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Born on November 21, 1970, in Almaty, Batalov is a graduate of the Kazakh Academy of Architecture and Construction. Since the 1990s, he has worked in the real sector of the economy, holding senior management positions across metallurgy, chemical construction, energy, and the agro-industrial sector.

Over the course of his career, Batalov has led a number of major industrial enterprises, including the Ridder Invest Metallurgical Complex, the Novo-Dzhambul Phosphorus Plant, the Tobol Grain Elevator, the Merke Sugar Plant, and Shymkent Thermal Power Plant-3.

In 1992, he founded the Raimbek commercial firm, which later evolved into the Raimbek Group, a diversified holding company with interests spanning multiple sectors of the economy.

Alongside his business career, Batalov has played an active role in shaping Kazakhstan’s business and public agenda. He has chaired the Kazakhstan Entrepreneurs Forum since 2002, headed the Kazakh side of the SCO Business Council since 2005, and served on the Public Council of the Majilis from 2007. He has also held leadership roles in sports and civic organizations, including the Underwater Sports Federation of Kazakhstan and the Asian Cycling Confederation.

From February 2022 to January 2026, Batalov was a member of the Presidium of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, later serving as Acting Chairman and Chairman of its Presidium. His appointment is seen as a move to strengthen dialogue between the state and the business community amid Kazakhstan’s ongoing economic reforms.