On Geologist’s Day, PetroCouncil presents its annual Overview “Top 20 Oil and Gas Geologists — 2026.”
The ranking includes specialists representing various levels and segments of the industry — from government institutions and production structures to subsoil user companies and the scientific community. These are professionals whose work underpins the replenishment of the resource base, project development, and the overall sustainability of Kazakhstan’s oil and gas sector.
We congratulate all geologists on their professional holiday and thank them for their contribution to the development of the industry.
Erlan Akbarov
Vice Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan
He graduated from Satbayev Kazakh National Technical University, as well as Taraz State University named after M.H. Dulaty and Karaganda State Technical University.
He began his career in the oil and gas industry in a production role as an operator at OzenMunayGas JSC in Zhanaozen. He later transitioned into geology, working as a geological engineer at Kazburgaz JSC, where he gained hands-on experience in exploration and field evaluation.
The next stage of his career focused on developing managerial competencies. Within the structure of KazTransGas, he progressed from a department head to General Director of Amangeldi Gas LLP, overseeing the implementation of gas sector projects.
He later headed Caspian Contractors Trust LLP, where he was responsible for the development of oil and gas projects and the management of production assets. His transition into public service became a natural continuation of his professional growth: within the system of the Committee of Geology and Subsoil Use, he supervised regional development issues in subsoil use and subsequently held senior positions at the industry level.
He also served as Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Kazgeology JSC, contributing to the implementation of exploration projects and strengthening the country’s mineral resource base. He later headed the Committee of Geology, where he was responsible for shaping state policy in geological exploration, regulating subsoil use, and advancing the industry.
Since 2025, he has been serving as Vice Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, overseeing the strategic development of the oil and gas sector.
Erlan Fazylovich Galiyev
Chairman of the Management Board
National Geological Survey JSC
Over 15 years of experience in oil and gas geology.
Graduated from Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas with a degree in Oil and Gas Geology.
Began his career at Embamunaigas JSC, progressing from a well testing operator and senior geologist to Deputy Head of the Geology and Field Development Service.
Continued his career at KazMunayGas, where he held positions as a leading engineer and later a leading manager in the Geology and Development Department, contributing to project evaluation and efficiency improvement.
Later headed the Geology and Development Department at Ural Oil & Gas LLP.
Transitioned to public service as Deputy Chairman of the Committee of Geology under the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, participating in shaping state policy in subsoil use and mineral resource development.
Currently heads the National Geological Survey, overseeing sector development at the national level, including geological data systematization, investment attractiveness, and exploration advancement.
Farkhat Abytov
Deputy Chairman of the Management Board
National Geological Survey JSC
Over 13 years of experience in geology and subsoil use.
Graduated from Satbayev Kazakh National Technical University in Oil and Gas Engineering; holds a Master of Technical Sciences from Caspian Public University.
Started his career at Samruk-Kazyna Corporate University, later working in government bodies related to geology.
At the Committee of Geology, progressed from specialist to senior expert and department head, focusing on geological expertise and resource balance.
Held leadership roles at Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs and KAZENERGY Association, as well as CEO of the International Center of Excellence for Sustainable Subsoil Management.
Since 2025 — Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of National Geological Survey JSC.
Zhandos Kanatovich Sharipov
Chief Geologist
QazaqGaz NC JSC
Geologist-geophysicist with over 15 years of experience.
Graduated from Novosibirsk State University; currently a PhD candidate at Satbayev University.
Since December 2025 — Chief Geologist at QazaqGaz, responsible for exploration strategy and gas resource growth.
Previously worked at Samruk-Kazyna, KMG Engineering and research institutes.
Author of scientific publications and participant in international conferences including Society of Petroleum Engineers events.
Ernur Tasemenovich Tasemenov
Deputy General Director for Geology and Development, Board Member
Embamunaigas JSC
Extensive experience in oil and gas geology across production, exploration, and corporate structures.
Graduated from Atyrau Institute of Oil and Gas.
Started as a well testing operator, later advancing through geological roles including positions at Caspian Petroleum Company and KazMunayGas structure.
Built his career at Embamunaigas, progressing to Head of Exploration and later Director of Geology and Exploration.
Since 2025 — Board Member and Deputy General Director.
Alibek Zhaikanov
Deputy General Director
Dunga Operating GmbH
Geologist with end-to-end experience from field operations to asset management.
Graduated from Gubkin University; holds an MBA from Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Business.
Worked at Ozenmunaigas, KMG Engineering, and PSA projects, specializing in reservoir modeling and project management.
Led major asset management at KazMunayGas, including Kashagan and Karachaganak projects.
Since May 2024 — Deputy General Director at Dunga Operating.
Nurzhan Urekeshev
Deputy General Director for Geology
Karaton Operating Ltd.
Graduated from Satbayev University; engineer-geologist.
Extensive experience from field geology to executive leadership.
Specializes in geological modeling, reserve estimation, and exploration planning.
Oversees drilling programs, geological research, and investment project support.
Yakov Volokitin
Head of Geology and Development Department
North Caspian Operating Company (NCOC)
Graduated from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology; holds a PhD from Leiden University.
Since 1997 worked within Shell in the Netherlands and the USA.
Led geology and development of the Salym group of fields in Western Siberia, achieving production growth at a late development stage through new drilling technologies and enhanced recovery methods.
From 2018 to 2022 headed the Geology and Development Department at Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V..
Since 2023 — Head of Geology and Development at NCOC (Atyrau), overseeing the Kashagan field development strategy and production growth.
Zhanibek Katrenov
General Director
Samga Petroleum LLP
Industry expert and researcher, Bolashak program graduate.
Founder of Samga Petroleum, specializing in innovative geophysical and seismic technologies.
Introduced STRYDE wireless seismic node technology in Kazakhstan.
Collaborates with KazMunayGas and QazaqGaz NC JSC.
Author of scientific publications and active contributor to industry development initiatives.
Bekbolat Nugmanov
Director of Geology and Exploration Department
KMG Engineering LLP
Over 15 years of experience in oil and gas geology.
Specializes in reserve estimation, 3D geological modeling, and field development analysis.
Previously worked at KazNIPImunaigas, contributing to major field projects including Kalamkas and Zhetybay.
Currently oversees strategic geological modeling and reserve evaluation projects across key assets.
Ruslan Malmanov
Director of Geology and Geophysics Department
Ozenmunaigas JSC
Graduated from Astrakhan State University.
Built his entire career at Ozenmunaigas, progressing from operator to department director.
Specializes in field development control, drilling operations, and geological analysis.
Recipient of multiple industry awards from KazMunayGas.
Nurbolat Tlepbergenov
Geology and Reservoir Management Manager
Tengizchevroil LLP
Over 20 years of experience in geology and reservoir management.
Graduated with honors from Atyrau Institute of Oil and Gas.
Worked at Chevron in Houston.
Key contributor to drilling programs and geological modeling at Tengiz field.
Active participant in Society of Petroleum Engineers and KAZENERGY.
Temirzhan Kalim
Head of Geological Service
Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V.
Over 20 years of experience in production geology.
Graduated from Satbayev University.
Oversees full-cycle geological operations, including drilling planning and reservoir analysis.
Responsible for strategic planning, budgeting, and внедрение инноваций in field development.
Awarded by the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Dina Bissenova
Chief Geologist
KazMunayGas Drilling LLP
Graduated from Kazakh Polytechnic Institute.
MBA from ALMA University.
Over 30 years of experience in drilling geology.
Responsible for geological control, well construction planning, and regulatory compliance.
Recipient of multiple state and industry awards.
Bekbulat Urazgaliyev
Head of Geology and Field Development Department
Caspiy Neft JSC
Over 15 years of experience in oil and gas geology.
Graduated from Atyrau Institute of Oil and Gas; holds an MBA in Strategic Risk Management from Kazakhstan-British Technical University.
Began his career at KazNIGRI, participating in research and geological analysis of oil and gas fields.
Worked at Tandai Petroleum, progressing to leading geological roles.
Since 2013 — at Caspiy Neft JSC, where he advanced from field geologist to department head.
Oversees geological support of field development, drilling planning, and implementation of geological and technical measures.
Venera Yesimbekova
Lead Geologist
Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V.
Graduated from Karaganda Technical University as a geophysicist.
Selected for KPO’s young professionals program in 2007.
Earned a Master’s degree in Petroleum Geology from the University of Perugia (Italy), supported by Eni.
Currently works as Lead Geologist, focusing on reservoir modeling and field development.
Asembek Gabdullin
Head of Geological Research Department
North Caspian Operating Company (NCOC)
Started his career at KazNIGRI (2000–2003), specializing in reserve estimation methods.
Joined Agip internship program (2003–2005), later worked in drilling geology.
Participated in drilling operations at Kashagan, Kairan, and Kalamkas fields.
Since 2024 — Head of Geological Research Department, responsible for reserve evaluation and strategic planning.
Galimzhan Yesetov
Chief Geologist
Galaz & K LLP
Graduated from Satbayev University; holds an MBA from Gubkin University.
Experienced leader focused on improving operational efficiency and reducing risks.
Worked at CNPC Ai-Dan Munai and KAZPETROL Group.
Since 2023 — Chief Geologist at Galaz & K, leading geological strategy and innovation.
Gulshat Ismailova
Head of Geology Department
Mangistaumunaigas JSC
Graduated from Satbayev University.
Started her career at the Institute of Geology in Almaty.
Worked at KazNIPImunaigas, progressing to senior leadership roles.
Since 2010 — Head of Geology Department, overseeing geological and geophysical research and field development projects in Mangystau region.
Recipient of state award “Ерен еңбегі үшін” (2025).
Kansulu Ayazova
Lead Geophysicist
Karazhanbasmunai JSC
Over 35 years of experience in the oil and gas industry.
Graduated from Turkmen Polytechnic Institute.
Specializes in geophysical data interpretation, well logging, and seismic analysis.
Since 2012 — Lead Geophysicist at Karazhanbasmunai.
Responsible for geological documentation, contractor supervision, and analytical reporting.
Continuously upgrades qualifications in modern seismic and data interpretation technologies.