Zhandos Shaimardanov has served as the Director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KazISS) since June 2025. He leads the nation’s central analytical institution responsible for strategic assessments, policy research, and long-term foresight that support presidential and governmental decision-making.

Mr. Shaimardanov holds a degree in Economics and Finance from the University of York (United Kingdom) and a Master’s in Business Analytics and Big Data from IE University (Spain).

He previously held key roles across major state bodies and national development institutions, including the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms, Bureau of National Statistics, National Bank of Kazakhstan, Ministry of National Economy, Baiterek Holding, QazTech Ventures, and the Samruk-Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund. His expertise spans economic policy, strategic planning, data governance, institutional reform, and evidence-based decision-making.

Throughout his career, he has contributed to major national reform initiatives, the modernization of statistical and analytical systems, and the development of long-term policy frameworks. His work integrates strategic foresight, economic transformation, and institutional innovation-helping shape Kazakhstan’s position in a rapidly evolving global landscape.