Michael McNicholas

Michael McNicholas brings over three decades of cross-sector energy experience spanning hydro, oil and gas, renewables, and finance to his role as Chair of the Decarbonization Committee of AmCham Kazakhstan. As General Counsel for Visor Group Kazakhstan, he plays a central role in steering the company’s diverse energy portfolio — which includes both upstream oil and gas developments in the Mangystau region and pioneering wind power projects in the Zhambyl region — toward a lower-carbon future.

Originally from Canada, Michael’s professional roots are deeply embedded in large-scale energy infrastructure. He began his career contributing to landmark projects such as the Star Lake Hydro Project and other major hydro, mining, and infrastructure developments across Eastern Canada, as well as major offshore oil projects on Canada’s East Coast. His career later took him to London, where he spent 15 years in the banking sector, advising and structuring complex capital markets transactions. This combination of legal, technical, and financial experience has shaped his pragmatic approach to balancing industrial growth with environmental responsibility.

At Visor, Michael combines legal acumen with strategic foresight, guiding the company’s transition efforts within Kazakhstan’s evolving energy landscape. His focus is on integrating regulatory compliance, sustainable financing, and stakeholder engagement to align private investment with national and global decarbonization goals.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Dalhousie University, a Master’s in Business from Boston University, and attended Memorial University of Newfoundland. His work reflects a commitment to bridging traditional energy expertise with emerging renewable solutions — fostering cooperation between industry, government, and civil society to accelerate Kazakhstan’s path toward a resilient, low-carbon economy.