Eric Watkins
Senior Correspondent
LOS ANGELES, May 29 -- Serik Burkitbayev has been appointed chief executive of Kazakhstan's state-owned KazMunaiGaz. Burkitbayev succeeds Uzakbai Karabalin, who headed the company since 2003. At the same time, it was announced that KazMunaiGaz Vice-Pres. Ulan Bayjanov has stepped down from his position.
Prime Minister Karim Masimov made the announcement, saying Burkitbayev's appointment had been made by the board of Samruk, the holding company in charge of state-owned companies. No reason was given for the change, but Burkitbayev has worked closely with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev since 2001.
In 1994-95, Burkitbayev served as president of Kazinformtelekom JSC and during 1996-98 was president of Kazakhtelekom OJSC.
In September, 1998, Burkitbayev was appointed minister of transport and communications. In 2000, he became part-time advisor to the Kazakh president, and in June 2001 was appointed to presidential advisor. In February the Kazakh president appointed him chairman of the board of the National Scientific and Technical Holding Samgau.
Contact Eric Watkins at [email protected].
