Jump to content

Bulat Utemuratov: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Article cleanup: removal of WP:PROMO and WP:NOBLECAUSE material. Advert maintenance template deleted.
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Kazakh businessman, diplomat, and philanthropist}}
{{Short description|Kazakh businessman, diplomat, and philanthropist}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Advert|date=February 2022}}
{{unreliable sources|date=August 2022}}
{{unreliable sources|date=August 2022}}
}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
Line 20: Line 17:
==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
Utemuratov was born in 1957. His father worked in the judiciary and was a prosecutor, and his mother worked as an accountant. Utemuratov graduated from the Faculty of Economics of the Almaty Institute of National Economy in 1981.
Utemuratov was born in 1957. His father worked in the judiciary and was a prosecutor, and his mother worked as an accountant. Utemuratov graduated from the Faculty of Economics of the Almaty Institute of National Economy in 1981.
{{expand section|date=July 2023}}


==Career==
==Career==
Line 26: Line 22:


After Utemuratov returned, he held several senior roles in the Kazakh government,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Security Council — Official website of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan |url=https://www.akorda.kz/en/executive_office/presidential_councils/security-council |access-date=2022-09-02 |website=Akorda.kz |language=en}}</ref>
After Utemuratov returned, he held several senior roles in the Kazakh government,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Security Council — Official website of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan |url=https://www.akorda.kz/en/executive_office/presidential_councils/security-council |access-date=2022-09-02 |website=Akorda.kz |language=en}}</ref>
In 1995, Utemuratov, jointly with a group of partners, founded the [[Almaty]] Trade and Finance (ATF) Bank; by 2007 he was its controlling shareholder. During this time, ATF Bank grew from a small financial institution to a large group and one of the leaders of the banking sector in Kazakhstan. In 2007, Utemuratov, along with minority shareholders, sold ATF Bank to the Italian [[UniCredit]] group for $2.3 billion. As of 2007, this transaction was the largest in the [[Commonwealth of Independent States|Central Independent States]] banking sector.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-04-09/kazakh-billionaire-said-to-consider-bid-for-alliance-temirbank|title=Kazakh Billionaire Said to Weigh Bid as State Sells Banks|date=9 April 2013|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-15 |title=The birth of a Kazakh banking empire: ATF Bank |url=https://www.intellinews.com/the-birth-of-a-kazakh-banking-empire-atf-bank-253320/ |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=www.intellinews.com |language=en}}</ref> Subsequent reports suggested that Utemuratov's stake in ATF had been larger than previously known and that he and family members made more than $1&nbsp;billion from the sale.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-11-13/kazakh-billionaire-says-he-s-got-nothing-to-hide|title=Kazakh Billionaire Says He's Got Nothing to Hide|website=[[Bloomberg News]]|date=13 November 2013}}</ref>
In 1995, Utemuratov, jointly with a group of partners, founded the [[Almaty]] Trade and Finance (ATF) Bank; by 2007 he was its controlling shareholder. In 2007, Utemuratov, along with minority shareholders, sold ATF Bank to the Italian [[UniCredit]] group for $2.3 billion. As of 2007, this transaction was the largest in the [[Commonwealth of Independent States|Central Independent States]] banking sector.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-04-09/kazakh-billionaire-said-to-consider-bid-for-alliance-temirbank|title=Kazakh Billionaire Said to Weigh Bid as State Sells Banks|date=9 April 2013|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-15 |title=The birth of a Kazakh banking empire: ATF Bank |url=https://www.intellinews.com/the-birth-of-a-kazakh-banking-empire-atf-bank-253320/ |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=www.intellinews.com |language=en}}</ref> Subsequent reports suggested that Utemuratov's stake in ATF had been larger than previously known and that he and family members made more than $1&nbsp;billion from the sale.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-11-13/kazakh-billionaire-says-he-s-got-nothing-to-hide|title=Kazakh Billionaire Says He's Got Nothing to Hide|website=[[Bloomberg News]]|date=13 November 2013}}</ref>


In 1999, Utemuratov was a member of the [[United Nations Economic Commission for Europe]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/press/pr1999/99gen4e.htm|title=Press Releases 1999|website=unece.org}}</ref>
In 1999, Utemuratov was a member of the [[United Nations Economic Commission for Europe]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/press/pr1999/99gen4e.htm|title=Press Releases 1999|website=unece.org}}</ref>
Line 40: Line 36:
As of 2013, Utemuratov was a key investor of the projects managed by [[Verny Capital]] investment group,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-02-19/kazzinc-verny-to-buy-kazakh-gold-producer-for-30-billion-tenge|title=Kazzinc, Verny to Buy Kazakh Gold Producer for 30 Billion Tenge|date=19 February 2013|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.}}</ref> together with [[VEON]] he also owned two telecommunications operators –"KarTel" in Kazakhstan<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-11-13/kazakh-billionaire-says-he-s-got-nothing-to-hide|title=Kazakh Billionaire Says He's Got Nothing to Hide|date=13 November 2013|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.}}</ref> and "SkyMobile" in Kyrgyzstan operating under the brand [[Beeline (brand)]]. Verny Capital is a majority shareholder in a gold mining company RG Gold, while 35 percent equity stake belongs to Resource Capital Funds, a US-based private equity fund.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.whitecase.com/news/press-release/white-case-advises-resource-capital-fund-vii-lp-acquisition-35-percent-equity | title=White & Case Advises Resource Capital Fund VII L.P. On Acquisition of 35 Percent Equity Stake in Kazakhstan Gold Mine &#124; White & Case LLP | date=8 January 2019 }}</ref> Utemuratov is the main shareholder of [[:ru:ForteBank|ForteBank]]; he owns the Burger King franchise in Kazakhstan and has holdings in hotel sector<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/bulat-utemuratov/?sh=2dfa427817ed | title=Bulat Utemuratov | website=[[Forbes]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.inform.kz/en/verny-capital-to-build-300-million-tower-complex-in-astana_a2567368 | title=Verny Capital to build $300 million tower complex in Astana: 18 June 2013, 16:55 - news on inform.kz | date=18 June 2013 }}</ref>
As of 2013, Utemuratov was a key investor of the projects managed by [[Verny Capital]] investment group,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-02-19/kazzinc-verny-to-buy-kazakh-gold-producer-for-30-billion-tenge|title=Kazzinc, Verny to Buy Kazakh Gold Producer for 30 Billion Tenge|date=19 February 2013|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.}}</ref> together with [[VEON]] he also owned two telecommunications operators –"KarTel" in Kazakhstan<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-11-13/kazakh-billionaire-says-he-s-got-nothing-to-hide|title=Kazakh Billionaire Says He's Got Nothing to Hide|date=13 November 2013|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.}}</ref> and "SkyMobile" in Kyrgyzstan operating under the brand [[Beeline (brand)]]. Verny Capital is a majority shareholder in a gold mining company RG Gold, while 35 percent equity stake belongs to Resource Capital Funds, a US-based private equity fund.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.whitecase.com/news/press-release/white-case-advises-resource-capital-fund-vii-lp-acquisition-35-percent-equity | title=White & Case Advises Resource Capital Fund VII L.P. On Acquisition of 35 Percent Equity Stake in Kazakhstan Gold Mine &#124; White & Case LLP | date=8 January 2019 }}</ref> Utemuratov is the main shareholder of [[:ru:ForteBank|ForteBank]]; he owns the Burger King franchise in Kazakhstan and has holdings in hotel sector<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/bulat-utemuratov/?sh=2dfa427817ed | title=Bulat Utemuratov | website=[[Forbes]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.inform.kz/en/verny-capital-to-build-300-million-tower-complex-in-astana_a2567368 | title=Verny Capital to build $300 million tower complex in Astana: 18 June 2013, 16:55 - news on inform.kz | date=18 June 2013 }}</ref>


In 1996 Utemuratov was appointed as ambassador to Switzerland, a position he held for three years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kazakh Billionaire Says He’s Got Nothing to Hide |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-11-13/kazakh-billionaire-says-he-s-got-nothing-to-hide?leadSource=uverify%20wall&sref=fXnwrRJZ |website=Bloomberg.com |access-date=6 November 2023 |language=en |date=13 November 2013 }}</ref>
In May 2023, Utemuratov was in the top ten of Forbes list of the 50 richest businessmen of Kazakhstan with an estimated capital of US$2,7 billion.<ref>{{cite web |date=11 May 2023 |title=50 богатейших бизнесменов Казахстана - 2023 — Forbes Казахстан |url=https://forbes.kz/ranking/50_bogateyshih_biznesmenov_kazahstana_-_2023 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=www.forbes.kz}}</ref>


=== Glencore ===
=== Glencore ===
Line 58: Line 54:


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Utemuratov is married to Utemuratova (Baishuakova) Azhar Abzhamiyevna. He has two sons, Alidar Utemuratov (born in 1979) and Anuar Utemuratov (born in 1983), and a daughter, Dinara (born in 2003).<ref>{{cite web |last=Askhatova |first=Assel |date=6 October 2008 |title=Focusing on |url=http://www.exclusive.kz/expertiza/antresoli/11302/ |website=Exclusive.kz}}</ref>
Utemuratov is married to Utemuratova (Baishuakova) Azhar Abzhamiyevna. He has two sons and a daughter.<ref>{{cite web |last=Askhatova |first=Assel |date=6 October 2008 |title=Focusing on |url=http://www.exclusive.kz/expertiza/antresoli/11302/ |website=Exclusive.kz}}</ref>


== Charity ==
== Charity ==


=== Tennis ===
=== Tennis ===
⚫
In September 2019, Utemuratov was elected as [[International Tennis Federation|ITF]] Vice-President.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kazakhstan tennis chief appointed ITF vice president |url=https://ocasia.org/news/104-kazakhstan-tennis-chief-appointed-itf-vice-president.html |access-date=2022-07-06 |website=OCA}}</ref>
Since 2007 Utemuratov has been the President of the [[Kazakhstan Tennis Federation]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ktf.kz/?m=article&id_rod=80&lng=eng|title=Kazakhstan Tennis Federation -|website=ktf.kz}}</ref> He has invested US$200 million to develop the sport in various ways such as establishing the country's national teams, developing children's tennis, and constructing tennis infrastructure in all major cities of [[Kazakhstan]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Youtube|title=Developing tennis in Kazakhstan|website=[[YouTube]]|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJDQG0IAB4g|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004095943/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJDQG0IAB4g |archive-date=4 October 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Futterman |first=Matthew |date=2022-10-05 |title=The Billionaire Trying to Turn Kazakhstan Into a Tennis Nation |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/05/sports/tennis/kazakhstan-utemuratov.html |access-date=2022-11-23 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Since 2010, Kazakhstan is regularly ranked among the world's top tennis nations.

Since September 2015, Utemuratov has been a board member of the [[International Tennis Federation]]. In 2017, the International Tennis Federation and [[Asian Tennis Federation]] awarded Bulat Utemuratov the transcendent merit in the development of tennis in the region.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://asiantennis.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Newsletter-November_ATF-AGM.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=21 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421094549/http://asiantennis.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Newsletter-November_ATF-AGM.pdf |archive-date=21 April 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

⚫
In September 2019, Utemuratov was elected as [[International Tennis Federation|ITF]] Vice-President.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kazakhstan tennis chief appointed ITF vice president |url=https://ocasia.org/news/104-kazakhstan-tennis-chief-appointed-itf-vice-president.html |access-date=2022-07-06 |website=OCA}}</ref> In October, 2019 Kazakhstan Tennis Federation held a charity exhibition match with participation of Rafael Nadal and Novac Djokovic in Astana.<ref>https://www.tennisnet.com/en/news/rafael-nadal-and-novak-djokovic-tight-program-in-kazakhstan </ref>


On 9 July 2022, Elena Rybakina became the first Kazakh to win the Ladies Singles tennis championship at Wimbledon. Rybakina thanked Utemuratov for his role as head of the Kazakh tennis federation in a press conference after her win.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/rybakinas-wimbledon-success-not-surprise-says-kazakh-federation-president-2022-07-10/ | title=Rybakina's Wimbledon success 'not a surprise', says Kazakh federation president| website=[[Reuters]]| date=10 July 2022}}</ref>
On 9 July 2022, Elena Rybakina became the first Kazakh to win the Ladies Singles tennis championship at Wimbledon. Rybakina thanked Utemuratov for his role as head of the Kazakh tennis federation in a press conference after her win.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/rybakinas-wimbledon-success-not-surprise-says-kazakh-federation-president-2022-07-10/ | title=Rybakina's Wimbledon success 'not a surprise', says Kazakh federation president| website=[[Reuters]]| date=10 July 2022}}</ref>

In October 2022, Kazakhstan hosted its first ever [[ATP Tour 500|ATP 500]] tournament in [[Astana Open|Astana]]. Competitors included world # 1 Carlos Alcaraz, along with Medvedev, Tsitsipas, Djokovic and Rublev.<ref>{{Cite web |title=La Fédération kazakhe de tennis passe à l'attaque |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Tennis/Article/La-federation-kazakhe-de-tennis-passe-a-l-attaque/1358134 |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=L'Équipe |language=fr}}</ref>


=== Bulat Utemuratov Foundation ===
=== Bulat Utemuratov Foundation ===
In February 2014, Utemuratov created the Bulat Utemuratov Charity Foundation.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://utemuratovfund.org/en | title=Bulat Utemuratov Foundation }}</ref> The foundation's mission is to promote health, education and culture development.
In February 2014, Utemuratov created the Bulat Utemuratov Charity Foundation.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://utemuratovfund.org/en | title=Bulat Utemuratov Foundation }}</ref>

The Foundation’s flagship project "Autism. One World for All," provides early intervention programs for autistic children and support for their families.<ref>https://www.alliancemagazine.org/blog/meeting-halfway-three-ways-philanthropy-can-help-society-adapt-to-autism/ </ref> Over 15,000 autistic children have benefited from 12 Asyl Miras Autism Centers in Kazakhstan.<ref>https://utemuratovfund.org/en/projects/ve6shve7 </ref>
The Foundation has a diverse portfolio of nationwide projects. Along with providing emergency response at the local level,<ref>https://www.wallstreet-online.de/nachricht/16305204-bulat-utemuratov-foundation-s-aid-card-celebrates-its-fifth-year-of-philanthropic-collaboration </ref> in 2023 the Foundation donated $5 M to help people in Türkiye manage the devastating consequences of the earthquake that shook the country.<ref>https://astanatimes.com/2023/04/turkiyes-embassy-extends-gratitude-to-kazakh-people-for-support-in-aftermath-of-earthquake/ </ref>
To address the regional social development gap, the Foundation has initiated a variety of development projects in different regions of Kazakhstan worth over $80 million. Most recently, the Foundation embarked on the development of a community center and a school in Kosshy town.<ref>https://finance.yahoo.com/news/bulat-utemuratov-allocated-over-80-130400328.html</ref> Two more schools will be built in the Almaty region.<ref>https://tengrinews.kz/kazakhstan_news/vernyiy-kapital-postroit-dve-shkolyi-v-almatinskoy-oblasti-483888/?tg_rhash=10a2f4700ae720 </ref> The construction of a new airport terminal building was launched in the southern city of Kyzylorda.<ref>https://informburo.kz/novosti/v-kyzylorde-zalozili-fundament-pod-stroitelstvo-novogo-aeroporta </ref> Alstef Group was awarded the contract to design and install the baggage handling system for the new airport.<ref>https://www.airport-suppliers.com/supplier-press-release/alstef-group-awarded-contract-for-new-terminal-baggage-handling-system-at-kyzylorda-airport-kazakhstan/ </ref>

In 2021 the Foundation launched two new projects - Green Schools Project and Young Leaders Academy. 16 schools of Almaty were equipped with greenhouses within the Green Schools Project.<ref>{{cite web |last=Spaceduck |title="Я учусь и работаю в теплице": дневник одного алматинского школьника - Manshuq |url=https://manshuq.com/lifestyle-greenschool-03-2022 |access-date=2022-04-09 |website=manshuq.com |language=ru}}</ref> Over 15, 000 school children of Turkestan and Shymkent cities are participating in Young Leaders Academy project.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-06-17 |title=В Казахстане стартует программа "Академия лидерства" |url=https://tengrinews.kz/kazakhstan_news/v-kazahstane-startuet-programma-akademiya-liderstva-440587/ |access-date=2022-04-09 |website=Главные новости Казахстана - Tengrinews.kz |language=ru}}</ref>

One of the landmark projects of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation is the reconstruction of the Botanical Garden of Almaty which was carried out in 2018-2020.<ref>https://forbes.kz/photostory/podarok_dlya_vseh_1606382034/ </ref>


=== Other ===
=== Other ===
Utemuratov is the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Fund for Ballet and National Dance Development and Support.<ref>{{cite web |title=О Фонде — Фонд балета |url=http://fondballet.kz/o-fonde/ |website=fondballet.kz}}</ref> He also supports Fund of Kazakhstan musician Batyrkhan Shukenov,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://batyr.foundation |title="Батырхан Шүкенов атындағы қор" қоғамдық қоры |publisher=Batyr.foundation |date= |accessdate=2022-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Біз жайлы |url=https://batyr.foundation/about-us/ |access-date=2022-09-02 |website=batyr.foundation |language=kk}}</ref> which finances the republican competition of wooden and brass wind instruments and scholarships for students of the National Conservatory.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.conservatoire.kz/kz/ |title=Казахская национальная консерватория - www.conservatoire.kz |access-date=21 September 2019 |archive-date=16 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190916110936/http://www.conservatoire.kz/kz/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Regular exhibitions of Kulanshi Center for Contemporary Art are held under his patronage at Forte Bank Kulanshi Art Space.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Amendments to the Board of Directors of "ForteBank" JSC |url=https://forte.kz/kk/inform/izmeneniya-v-sostave-soveta-direktorov-ao-fortebank-391 |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=forte.kz}}</ref>
Utemuratov is the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Fund for Ballet and National Dance Development and Support.<ref>{{cite web |title=О Фонде — Фонд балета |url=http://fondballet.kz/o-fonde/ |website=fondballet.kz}}</ref> He also supports Fund of Kazakhstan musician Batyrkhan Shukenov,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://batyr.foundation |title="Батырхан Шүкенов атындағы қор" қоғамдық қоры |publisher=Batyr.foundation |date= |accessdate=2022-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Біз жайлы |url=https://batyr.foundation/about-us/ |access-date=2022-09-02 |website=batyr.foundation |language=kk}}</ref> which finances the republican competition of wooden and brass wind instruments and scholarships for students of the National Conservatory.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.conservatoire.kz/kz/ |title=Казахская национальная консерватория - www.conservatoire.kz |access-date=21 September 2019 |archive-date=16 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190916110936/http://www.conservatoire.kz/kz/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Regular exhibitions of Kulanshi Center for Contemporary Art are held under his patronage at Forte Bank Kulanshi Art Space.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Amendments to the Board of Directors of "ForteBank" JSC |url=https://forte.kz/kk/inform/izmeneniya-v-sostave-soveta-direktorov-ao-fortebank-391 |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=forte.kz}}</ref>


Utemuratov is the sole shareholder in [[Narxoz University]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adnkronos |date=2022-09-27 |title=Narxoz University, AIFC Court, International Arbitration Centre Agree on Cooperation |url=https://www.localpage.eu/2022/09/27/narxoz-university-aifc-court-international-arbitration-centre-agree-on-cooperation/ |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Local Page |language=it-IT}}</ref> In 2022 the university presented its new campus (about 30,000 square meters) after a large-scale renovation<ref>https://24.kz/ru/news/obrazovanie-i-nauka/item/549123-v-universitete-narkhoz-otkrylsya-novyj-kampus </ref>
Utemuratov is the sole shareholder in [[Narxoz University]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adnkronos |date=2022-09-27 |title=Narxoz University, AIFC Court, International Arbitration Centre Agree on Cooperation |url=https://www.localpage.eu/2022/09/27/narxoz-university-aifc-court-international-arbitration-centre-agree-on-cooperation/ |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Local Page |language=it-IT}}</ref>

Another charity educational project in Kazakhstan is [[Haileybury Almaty|Haileybury Kazakhstan]].<ref name="ReferenceA" />


==Awards==
==Awards==

* [[Order of Kurmet]] (2002)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kazakhstan.news-city.info/docs/sistemsx/dok_iedhfb.htm|title=О награждении государственными наградами республики казахстан|website=kazakhstan.news-city.info}}</ref>
* [[Order of Kurmet]] (2002)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kazakhstan.news-city.info/docs/sistemsx/dok_iedhfb.htm|title=О награждении государственными наградами республики казахстан|website=kazakhstan.news-city.info}}</ref>
* Honorary citizen of [[Kyzylorda Region]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nomad.su/?a=3-201412160009|title=Вручение государственных наград – Номад – 16.12.2014|website=nomad.su}}</ref>
*Zhomart Zhurek Award (2018) for opening Asyl Miras autism-center in Uralsk and a joint project with the Red Crescent Society to support the population of East Kazakshstan Oblast affected by floods.<ref>{{cite web|title="Жомарт жүрек" и "Алтын жүрек": Почему Булата Утемуратова выбрали благотворителем года?|url=https://bulatutemuratov.kz/stati/zhomart-zh-rek-i-altyn-zh-rek-pochemu-bulata-utemuratova-vybrali-blagotvoritelem-goda/|date=2019-01-19|website=Булат Утемуратов|language=ru-RU|access-date=2020-05-26}}</ref>

In 2016, Bulat Utemuratov was chosen as one of the nominees in the "Business" category of the national project «El Tulgasy» (Leader of the Motherland) The idea of the project was to select the most significant citizens of [[Kazakhstan]] whose names are now associated with the achievements of the country. More than 350,000 people voted in this project, and Utemuratov was voted into 7th place in his category.<ref>{{cite web|title=ЕЛ ТҰЛҒАСЫ / ИМЯ РОДИНЫ / События / Разделы сайта / Деловой журнал Exclusive|url=http://exclusive.kz/el-tulgasy-2016/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321153157/http://exclusive.kz/el-tulgasy-2016/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2017-03-21|date=2017-03-21|access-date=2020-05-13}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==

Revision as of 19:57, 8 November 2023

Bulat Utemuratov
Born
Bulat Utemuratov

(1957-11-13) 13 November 1957 (age 66)[citation needed]
Kazakh SSR, USSR
NationalityKazakhstani
SpouseUtemuratova (Baishuakova) Azhar Abzhamiyevna
Websitehttps://bulatutemuratov.com

Bulat Zhamituly Utemuratov (also called Bolat, Kazakh: Болат Жамитұлы Өтемұратов, Bolat Jamıtuly Ótemuratov; born 13 November 1957) is a Kazakhstani businessman, public figure, diplomat and philanthropist.

Early life and education

Utemuratov was born in 1957. His father worked in the judiciary and was a prosecutor, and his mother worked as an accountant. Utemuratov graduated from the Faculty of Economics of the Almaty Institute of National Economy in 1981.

Career

After Kazakhstan became an independent country in 1991, President Nursultan Nazarbayev selected Utemuratov to go to Vienna and find economic opportunities for the new republic.[1]

After Utemuratov returned, he held several senior roles in the Kazakh government,[2] In 1995, Utemuratov, jointly with a group of partners, founded the Almaty Trade and Finance (ATF) Bank; by 2007 he was its controlling shareholder. In 2007, Utemuratov, along with minority shareholders, sold ATF Bank to the Italian UniCredit group for $2.3 billion. As of 2007, this transaction was the largest in the Central Independent States banking sector.[3][4] Subsequent reports suggested that Utemuratov's stake in ATF had been larger than previously known and that he and family members made more than $1 billion from the sale.[5]

In 1999, Utemuratov was a member of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.[6] From 2003 to 2006 he was secretary of the security council and head of the presidential property management directorate from 2006 to 2008.[7]

From 2008 to 2013, Utemuratov, was described as an "adviser to the president" and held a role as a special representative to Kyrgyzstan.[8] This close relationship with Nazarbayev led to Utemuratov being given the nickname "the grey cardinal" in Kazakhstan.[9] The Times quoted a spokeswoman for Utemuratov saying he: "is neither a middleman, nor proxy for President Nazarbayev" and that he had not profited from his relationship with the President.[10]

After the 2009 crisis, Kassa Nova, the first microcredit bank in Kazakhstan, was established.[11] In 2020 Kassa Nova was acquiered by Freedom Holding Corp for an approximate $ 41 million.[12]

After Samruk-Kazyna SWF closed a sale of its shares in Temirbank and part of its shares in Alliance Bank to Utemuratov in May 2014, ForteBank was created.[13]

As of 2013, Utemuratov was a key investor of the projects managed by Verny Capital investment group,[14] together with VEON he also owned two telecommunications operators –"KarTel" in Kazakhstan[15] and "SkyMobile" in Kyrgyzstan operating under the brand Beeline (brand). Verny Capital is a majority shareholder in a gold mining company RG Gold, while 35 percent equity stake belongs to Resource Capital Funds, a US-based private equity fund.[16] Utemuratov is the main shareholder of ForteBank; he owns the Burger King franchise in Kazakhstan and has holdings in hotel sector[17][18]

In 1996 Utemuratov was appointed as ambassador to Switzerland, a position he held for three years.[19]

Glencore

In 2011, when Glencore the Swiss-based mining and commodities company, announced its initial public offering (IPO) in London, the company said that some of the proceeds would be used to buy back the Kazzinc Glencore's copper subsidiary shares held by Verny Capital.[20] In 2012, Glencore bought the Kazzinc shares back from Verny Capital for $1.359 billion,[21] including $400 million in cash and the rest in Glencore shares. In 2013, Glencore-controlled zinc producer Kazzinc, acquired the Vasilkovskoye gold mine in Kazakhstan from Verny Capital.[22] As part of this transaction, Verny was given shares in Kazzinc, Kazakhstan.

In 2012, Glencore's Kazzinc subsidiary bought a 56% in a private school called Haileybury Astana for $23 million.[23]

In 2013, Glencore gave a loan to Astana Property Management (APM), a company owned by Bulat Utemuratov via Verny Capital. The loan was to finance APM's construction of the Talan Towers hotel and apartment complex in Astana, Kazakhstan. Glencore loaned a total of $237 million to the project but the miner was forced to write off $96.5 million in 2018 after reported poor performance.[24] Since that transaction, Utemuratov and Glencore have done several other deals together. In 2015, Glencore bought Utemuratov's Gulfstream private jet in an undisclosed transaction.[9]

Utemuratov sold his Glencore shares in December 2021[25]

Freezing of assets

On 1 December 2020, The Wall Street Journal reported about the freezing of Utemuratov's assets including stakes in luxury hotels, cash in bank accounts in half a dozen countries and a Burger King franchise, by a UK civil court on the claim of BTA Bank.[26] According to a statement distributed by Verny Capital on 9 December 2020, the freezing injunction of the English Court in relation to the assets of Bulat Utemuratov had been revoked following a settlement between the two parties .[27]

In March 2022, Dame Margaret Hodge, a British Member of Parliament, named Utemuratov in a speech advocating for sanctions against Kazakh billionaires.[28] Utemuratov was one of 30 oligarchs and members of the Kazakh elite who, Hodge claimed, had benefited from their ties to the Nazarbayev regime.[29] Hodge said: “Bulat Utemuratov is a former chief of staff to Nazarbayev. A US diplomatic cable reported allegations that Utemuratov was the president’s "personal financial manager" and his own website assesses his personal wealth at $3.9 billion.”[30]

Personal life

Utemuratov is married to Utemuratova (Baishuakova) Azhar Abzhamiyevna. He has two sons and a daughter.[31]

Charity

Tennis

In September 2019, Utemuratov was elected as ITF Vice-President.[32]

On 9 July 2022, Elena Rybakina became the first Kazakh to win the Ladies Singles tennis championship at Wimbledon. Rybakina thanked Utemuratov for his role as head of the Kazakh tennis federation in a press conference after her win.[33]

Bulat Utemuratov Foundation

In February 2014, Utemuratov created the Bulat Utemuratov Charity Foundation.[34]

Other

Utemuratov is the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Fund for Ballet and National Dance Development and Support.[35] He also supports Fund of Kazakhstan musician Batyrkhan Shukenov,[36][37] which finances the republican competition of wooden and brass wind instruments and scholarships for students of the National Conservatory.[38] Regular exhibitions of Kulanshi Center for Contemporary Art are held under his patronage at Forte Bank Kulanshi Art Space.[39]

Utemuratov is the sole shareholder in Narxoz University.[40]

Awards

See also

References

  1. ^ "Kazakh Billionaire Says He's Got Nothing to Hide". Bloomberg.com. 13 November 2013.
  2. ^ "Security Council — Official website of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan". Akorda.kz. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  3. ^ "Kazakh Billionaire Said to Weigh Bid as State Sells Banks". Bloomberg L.P. 9 April 2013.
  4. ^ "The birth of a Kazakh banking empire: ATF Bank". www.intellinews.com. 15 August 2022. Retrieved 23 November 2022.
  5. ^ "Kazakh Billionaire Says He's Got Nothing to Hide". Bloomberg News. 13 November 2013.
  6. ^ "Press Releases 1999". unece.org.
  7. ^ "Security Council — Official website of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan". Akorda.kz. Retrieved 23 November 2022.
  8. ^ Orange, Richard; Ebrahimi, Helia (12 May 2011). "Glencore's $7.6bn Kazakh business under threat". The Telegraph.
  9. ^ a b Millard, Rachel (3 March 2019). "Glencore bought jet from Kazakh dictator's sidekick Bulat Utemuratov". The Times.
  10. ^ "Glencore gave Kazakh dictator's ally big share in school". 12 August 2023.
  11. ^ "Frhc_ex991".
  12. ^ "Freedom Holding Corp. Acquires the Kassa Nova Bank". 4 August 2020.
  13. ^ https://www.intellinews.com/the-birth-of-a-kazakh-banking-empire-atf-bank-253320/
  14. ^ "Kazzinc, Verny to Buy Kazakh Gold Producer for 30 Billion Tenge". Bloomberg L.P. 19 February 2013.
  15. ^ "Kazakh Billionaire Says He's Got Nothing to Hide". Bloomberg L.P. 13 November 2013.
  16. ^ "White & Case Advises Resource Capital Fund VII L.P. On Acquisition of 35 Percent Equity Stake in Kazakhstan Gold Mine | White & Case LLP". 8 January 2019.
  17. ^ "Bulat Utemuratov". Forbes.
  18. ^ "Verny Capital to build $300 million tower complex in Astana: 18 June 2013, 16:55 - news on inform.kz". 18 June 2013.
  19. ^ "Kazakh Billionaire Says He's Got Nothing to Hide". Bloomberg.com. 13 November 2013. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  20. ^ Orange, Richard (6 May 2011). "Glencore float could create Kazakhstan's richest man". The Telegraph.
  21. ^ MacDonald, Alex. "Glencore in new deal to buy 18.91% Kazzinc stake". Marketwatch.
  22. ^ "UPDATE 1-Kazzinc, Verny Capital buy two Kazakh gold deposits". Reuters. 19 February 2013. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  23. ^ Leroux, Marcus; Baldwin, Leigh; Ralph, Alex (20 February 2019). "Glencore gave Kazakh dictator's ally big share in school". The Times.
  24. ^ Millard, Rachel. "Glencore takes $96m hit on loan to Kazakhstan's Bulat Utemuratov".
  25. ^ "Bulat Utemuratov". Forbes.
  26. ^ Hope, Bradley (1 December 2020). "U.K. Court Freezes Up to $5 Billion Tied to Alleged Kazakhstan Bank Theft". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
  27. ^ Verny Capital. "Verny Capital". Archived from the original on 24 January 2021.
  28. ^ Dawkins, David (4 February 2022). "Kazakhstan Billionaires 'Named and Shamed' in U.K. Parliament by Senior Politician as Corruption Sanctions Near". Forbes.
  29. ^ Klein, David (8 February 2022). "Kazakh Corruption 'Named and Shamed' in British Parliament". OCCRP.org.
  30. ^ "Commons Chamber, Motion made, and Question proposed, Dame Margaret Hodge, Kazakhstan: Anti-corruption Sanctions". Hansard. 3 February 2022.
  31. ^ Askhatova, Assel (6 October 2008). "Focusing on". Exclusive.kz.
  32. ^ "Kazakhstan tennis chief appointed ITF vice president". OCA. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  33. ^ "Rybakina's Wimbledon success 'not a surprise', says Kazakh federation president". Reuters. 10 July 2022.
  34. ^ "Bulat Utemuratov Foundation".
  35. ^ "О Фонде — Фонд балета". fondballet.kz.
  36. ^ ""Батырхан Шүкенов атындағы қор" қоғамдық қоры". Batyr.foundation. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  37. ^ "Біз жайлы". batyr.foundation (in Kazakh). Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  38. ^ "Казахская национальная консерватория - www.conservatoire.kz". Archived from the original on 16 September 2019. Retrieved 21 September 2019.
  39. ^ "Amendments to the Board of Directors of "ForteBank" JSC". forte.kz. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  40. ^ Adnkronos (27 September 2022). "Narxoz University, AIFC Court, International Arbitration Centre Agree on Cooperation". Local Page (in Italian). Retrieved 22 December 2022.
  41. ^ "О награждении государственными наградами республики казахстан". kazakhstan.news-city.info.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bulat_Utemuratov&oldid=1184173063"