AmCham Kazakhstan Recognizes the Best in Business at the 2026 Awards Gala

The American Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan (AmCham Kazakhstan) held its annual Awards Gala on October 16 at The St. Regis Astana, continuing a tradition of more than 20 years of recognizing outstanding achievements and best business practices among leading companies operating in Kazakhstan.

The AmCham Awards Gala is one of the Chamber’s premier events, bringing together business leaders, senior government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps. The Awards recognize companies and professionals whose leadership, innovation, and initiatives contribute to Kazakhstan’s economic and social development, while encouraging the exchange of successful practices across the business community.

This year, the AmCham Awards received a record 83 nominations, the highest number in the Awards’ history, reflecting the growing engagement of Kazakhstan’s business community and the diversity of initiatives contributing to the country’s development.

Celebrating Business Excellence and Partnership

The ceremony was opened by Jeff Erlich, Executive Director of AmCham Kazakhstan, followed by Saule Zhakayeva, President of AmCham Kazakhstan and Head of Citibank Kazakhstan.

“Beyond recognizing excellence, AmCham Awards promote best business practices that support free enterprise, fair competition, and the rule of law. By showcasing success stories and innovative approaches, the Awards inspire others and contribute to a stronger, more sustainable business environment,” said Saule Zhakayeva.

Ms. Zhakayeva presented the special U.S.–Kazakhstan Partnership Award to the U.S.-Kazakhstan Business Council, part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, recognizing its contribution to strengthening bilateral business ties and economic cooperation.

U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Julie M. Stufft also delivered opening remarks and presented the Public-Private Dialogue Award to Alexey Tsoy, Advisor to the President of Kazakhstan, recognizing his contribution to constructive dialogue between government and international business, including cooperation with AmCham on healthcare and digitalization issues.

“Tonight, let us celebrate what AmCham members have achieved,” said Ambassador Julie M. Stufft. “We are at a historic moment in our bilateral relationship, including at the level of our commercial partnership, with bilateral trade topping $7 billion last year for the first time. I am incredibly optimistic about our growing trade and investment relationship as we deepen the interconnectedness of our two economies.”

The AmCham Service Award was presented to Andrew Glass, Senior Commercial Officer at the U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan and Honorary Board Member of AmCham Kazakhstan, for his contribution to strengthening cooperation between AmCham and the U.S. Mission and supporting bilateral business relations.

AmCham Awards 2026 Winners

The ceremony also recognized outstanding achievements across ten competitive categories:

1. Executive of the Year: Sanzhar Zhamalov, Mastercard
2. Kazakhstani Business (presented by Chevron and TCO): GRATA International
3. Innovation: Borusan Cat Kazakhstan — MineStar DSS
4. Young Professional: Kamila Tuyakbayeva, Pfizer Kazakhstan
5. Women’s Leadership: Philip Morris Kazakhstan — Equal Salary Certification
6. Health: Tengizchevroil — Neonatal Healthcare Modernization in Atyrau Region
7. Safety: Efes Kazakhstan — Craft in Action
8. Environment: Coca-Cola İçecek Kazakhstan (CCI Kazakhstan) — ReStart
9. Community Service: Eurasia Group Kazakhstan — Digital AgroLeaders
10. Kazakh Culture (presented by Freedom Holding Corp.): Beeline Kazakhstan — QazCode, KazLLM

The winning initiatives reflect the diversity of Kazakhstan’s business community, from technological innovation and business expansion to healthcare, workplace safety, environmental responsibility, and community development.

Acknowledging Our Sponsors and Partners

AmCham Kazakhstan extends its sincere appreciation to the sponsors and partners whose generous support made the 2026 Awards Gala possible.

Diamond Sponsors: Chevron, Freedom Holding Corp., Tengizchevroil (TCO)

Platinum Sponsor: Philip Morris Kazakhstan

Gold Sponsors: Borusan Cat, Citi, Mars, Shell, Turkish Airlines

Silver Sponsors: Air Astana, Aretera Public Affairs, AstraZeneca, Coca-Cola, Efes Kazakhstan, Eurasia Group, Eurasian Machinery, ExxonMobil, InterContinental Almaty, Kazakhstan International School, Pfizer, PwC, Wabtec

Event Partners: Coca-Cola, Efes Kazakhstan, The St. Regis Astana

Recognizing the Independent Jury

Winners in the ten competitive categories were selected by an independent jury of business and institutional leaders, who evaluated nominations based on their achievements, impact, and contribution to the wider community.

AmCham Kazakhstan extends its sincere appreciation to the members of the 2026 Awards Jury:

• Ainur Karbozova — CEO, Bulat Utemuratov Foundation
• Anastasia Mukherjee — Commercial Officer, U.S. Mission Kazakhstan, U.S. Commercial Service
• Gulnaz Tukhtamova — Chief Operating Officer, AIFC Court and International Arbitration Centre
• Kanat Abashov — Managing Director, KAZMEDIA HOLDING

Their time, expertise, and independent perspectives are essential to maintaining the credibility and quality of the AmCham Awards.

View the AmCham Awards Gala 2026 Photo Gallery here