Руководство АО "Аралтұз"

Nurlan Aitkazin

President, Chairman of the Management Board of JSC «Araltuz»

Biography

Has more than 25 years of management experience in various sectors of the economy, including the financial sector, coal mining and machine-building industries, as well as subsoil use projects.

Graduated from the Toyota Motors Istanbul Technical and Industrial Lyceum, the Kazakh State Law University (specialty “Entrepreneurial Law”) and the University of International Business (specialty “Management”).

Held senior positions at Don (Kyrgyzstan), Novator Machine-Building Holding (Uzbekistan), QARABULAQ GOLD and has been a member of the Araltuz Board of Directors since 2014. In 2023–2024, he led a project to launch mining and processing of gold-bearing ore at QARABULAQ GOLD — from exploration to the construction of a processing plant.

Since October 2024, he has held the position of President and Chairman of the Management Board of JSC «Araltuz».

Known for a strategic approach to management, focus on innovation and sustainable development, and the ability to build effective management teams.

Dauren Mukashev

Chairman of the Board of Directors of JSC «Araltuz»

Biography

Dauren Mukashev is a leader with extensive experience in the legal, financial and industrial sectors. He has deep expertise in managing industrial enterprises, international law, commerce and corporate development.

He graduated from the Kazakh State Law University (specialty “International Law and Public Service”), D. Kunayev University (specialty “Economics, Finance and Credit”) and Lomonosov Moscow State University (Executive MBA, Graduate School of Business Administration).

He held senior positions at Eurasian Bank, Kazakhstan Aluminium, Shubarkol Komir, and also led Universal Service, Alsu and ENRC Marketing Kazakhstan (ERG).

Since 2013, he headed the Board of Directors of JSC «Araltuz», and since 2021 he has been President, CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of the company.

Under his leadership, the company entered a new industrial era:
⬥ modernization of production capacity
⬥ expansion of export directions
⬥ growth of investment attractiveness
⬥ formation of a sustainable development strategy for decades ahead

These transformations made «Araltuz» not just a salt producer, but a national asset, a strategic resource, part of the country’s economic stability.

He was awarded the “Qurmet” Order for merits in developing the economy, social sphere, science and culture, as well as the badge “Excellence in mining III degree” for contribution to the development of the mining industry.

Alexey Aristov

First Vice President, member of the Management Board of JSC «Araltuz»

Biography

Graduated from the Kazakh State Academy of Management with a degree in “Finance and Credit”. Holds a diploma in Banking and Finance from The London School of Economics. Completed the MBA program “Management in Oil and Gas” at the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas.

Has more than 25 years of experience in economics, finance and corporate governance.

Began his career in the government bodies of the Republic of Kazakhstan, working on external borrowing, foreign assistance and investment projects. Continued his career in the corporate sector, holding executive positions in the largest national and private companies. Worked as CFO, treasurer and top manager in industrial, energy, mining, oil and gas, petrochemical and construction organizations.

Over the years held senior positions at JSC «Altynalmas», LLP «KazRosGas», JSC «Kazakhstan Petrochemical Industries» / LLP «Caspi Bitum», LLP «Kazakhturkmynai», LLP «Velesstroy», Private Company «Unicorn Energo», LLP «Neotech Energy».

Has deep expertise in project management, corporate governance, strategic development, raising financing, and M&A transactions. Member of the Russian Association of Professional Directors.

Ioanna Ponomarenko

Member of the Board of Directors

Biography

Ioanna Ponomarenko has extensive expertise in production management, operational efficiency and organizational development. Over the years of her professional activity, she has implemented major projects to optimize processes, strengthen market positions and build strong management teams.

She graduated from the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (Uzbekistan) with a degree in “International Economics”, and Maastricht School of Management (Netherlands), earning an MBA.

She held executive positions at “K&K Technologies”, where from 2009 to 2016 she served as Managing Director, and in 2016–2019 — Chief Executive Officer.

Since 2018 she has worked at JSC «Araltuz»:

— 2018–2023 — First Vice President;

— 2023–2024 — President of the company.

Under her leadership, JSC «Araltuz» achieved record profitability and financial stability, strengthened its presence in international markets including Russia, and successfully implemented restructuring and operational efficiency improvement programs.

Ioanna Alexandrovna actively participates in professional and educational initiatives — she is a member of the Central Eurasian Alliance of Leaders and a mentor at the Eurasian School of Business and Entrepreneurship.

Leila Yesbolova

Vice President for Economics and Finance, member of the Management Board of JSC «Araltuz»

Biography

Graduate of Dowling College (New York, USA) in Business Administration. Also graduated from the International University in Moscow, the Higher School of Business and Management with a degree in “Economics”. Completed professional certifications and courses including DipIFR (ACCA), CMA, as well as training in financial planning, budgeting and analytics in Power BI.

Started her professional career in the banking sector in 2003. From 2006 worked at Kazgeokosmos in senior roles in finance divisions. Since 2017 — Head of Treasury and Accounts Receivable, Head of Budgeting and Financial Control at Kagazy Recycling. Since 2019, after the company was renamed KZ Recycling (a subsidiary of Kazakhstan Kagazy), she held the position of Finance Director.

Since July 2023 — Vice President for Economics and Finance, member of the Araltuz Management Board.

Has more than 20 years of experience in financial planning, management and financial reporting, tax planning and raising financing.

James Alistair Kirkland Cochrane

Member of the Board of Directors

Biography

James Cochrane is an experienced international executive with more than 25 years of experience in mining and commercial sectors. His professional career includes leading major companies, delivering strategic projects and serving on the boards of leading global corporations.

For many years, James held key senior positions in global-scale companies. At ENRC PLC (one of the world’s largest mining and metallurgical companies, previously listed in the FTSE 100 on the London Stock Exchange), he served as Commercial Director and then Executive Director. He played a key role in developing international operations, strengthening the company’s position in global markets and implementing major investment programs.

Subsequently, James chaired the Board of Directors of Sable Mining, listed on the AIM market (London), where he oversaw the company’s strategic governance and business development.

In addition, he served on boards as an independent director at a number of leading international companies:

· Northam Platinum (South Africa) — one of the largest platinum producers;

· Jindal Stainless (India) — a leading global producer of stainless steel.

James has unique expertise in strategic management, international finance, commerce and the development of mining projects. He holds degrees of Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) and Master of Business Administration (MBA), supporting his practical experience with solid academic knowledge.

Igor Ferkho

Vice President for Sales and Marketing, member of the Management Board of JSC «Araltuz»

Biography

Graduated from K. I. Satpayev Kazakh National Technical University with a degree in “Mining Engineer”. Graduated from Lomonosov Moscow State University (Higher School of Business, Executive MBA).

Started his professional career in commercial roles, holding executive positions at LLP «Duet» (assembly of Philips products in Kazakhstan), LLP «VMK Kazakhstan», as well as large trading companies specializing in food distribution.

Has experience in transport and logistics and metallurgical sectors — held senior positions at Kazchermet Group of Companies and at ENRC Marketing & Sales; also in medical projects in Russia he was Managing Director of LLP «Medical Project Management Center».

Igor Ferkho has multifaceted experience in strategic marketing, sales and distribution management, business development and market expansion. His competencies include building effective distributor networks, implementing strategies for entering new markets and improving business profitability.

Nils S. van der Plaas

Member of the Board of Directors, Independent Director

Biography

Nils K. van der Plaas is a recognized international expert with more than 35 years of experience in the chemical, salt and energy industries. He has served as an Independent Director at JSC «Araltuz» since July 2024.

Nils began his professional career in 1987. His path includes more than 32 years at the world’s leading chemical groups AkzoNobel and Nouryon (formerly Akzo), where he held various corporate and production positions in the Netherlands and the USA.

During this period he gained outstanding expertise in the following key areas:

◆ Coatings (Coatings) and Maintenance.

◆ Procurement management (Procurement).

◆ The global chlor-alkali industry, chlorine derivatives and their end markets.

From August 2013 to February 2021, Nils van der Plaas served as Head of the Salt business at AkzoNobel/Nouryon. His responsibilities included management of mining, energy and production assets located in the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Spain. During this time, he also actively participated in the European salt community by serving on the Board of Directors of EU Salt in Brussels (Association of European Salt Producers).

Over the years, Nils developed deep competence in sustainable development, the energy transition and ESG approaches, becoming an advocate of integrating the “people — planet — sustainability” principles into corporate strategies.

Currently, in addition to his role as Independent Director at JSC «Araltuz», he performs a number of advisory and management functions in desalination, the salt industry, energy transition and the chlor-alkali industry.

Alexander Kim

Vice President for Technical Development, member of the Management Board of JSC «Araltuz»

Biography

Graduate of Shakarim Semipalatinsk State University with a degree in “Mechanical Engineering Technology”. Completed professional internships in China and South Korea.

Started his professional career at LLP «Daewoo Bus Kazakhstan» as a Production Engineer. Worked at JSC «Aircraft Repair Plant No. 405» as a Supply Department Engineer, and also headed a production unit at LLP «Metako».

A significant stage of his career is associated with international companies: LLP «Jambyl Cement» (French company VICAT) and LLP «HeidelbergCement Kazakhstan», where he progressed from engineer to national-level Head of Maintenance.

At JSC «Araltuz», he oversees technical development and is responsible for implementing advanced production practices, optimizing unit operations, project management and introducing modern standards.

Has significant experience in organizing and optimizing technical processes, budget management and implementing strategic projects.

Eskender Zharkeshev

Director for Legal Affairs, member of the Management Board of JSC «Araltuz»

Biography

Graduated from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University with a degree in “Civil and Entrepreneurial Law” (2002).

Started his professional activity in 2003. Held senior positions in legal departments of major companies, including LLP «Sinooil» (Deputy Director of the Legal Department), LLP «PetroChina International Kazakhstan» (Director of the Legal Department), JSC «Satti Zhuldyz» (Head of the Legal Department).

Since August 2022, he has served as Director for Legal Affairs at JSC «Araltuz» and is a member of the company’s Management Board.

Has deep competencies in legal support of industrial projects, contract and claims work, transaction structuring, protection of business interests and management of legal risks. Has significant experience in strategic interaction with government bodies and ensuring legal stability of enterprises.

Anarbek Gilmanov

Member of the Board of Directors, Independent Director

Biography

Anarbek Gilmanov is an international-level top manager, an expert in FMCG, finance and operational management.

Anarbek’s career includes many years at Procter & Gamble, where he held a number of responsible positions, including:

◆ Member of the Procter & Gamble Executive Board for operations in Eastern Europe.

◆ Senior Commercial Director for Eastern Europe (Baby Care and Feminine Care).

◆ Sales Finance Director for Eastern Europe.

◆ Finance Director for Fabric Care (India, Middle East, Africa).

◆ Head of Finance for Eastern and Central Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Since October 2022, Anarbek has served as Chief Executive Officer at Olayan Saudi Holding Company. Previously, from July 2021 to October 2022, he was co-founder and CEO of “Mama Znaet” in Almaty.

In addition to his professional activity, Anarbek is actively engaged in public initiatives, being a co-founder and board member of the KIMEP University endowment fund.

Anarbek Gilmanov holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from KIMEP University (Kazakhstan Institute of Management, Economics and Strategic Research) in Almaty, Kazakhstan.