AmCham Hosted "Meet Your Candidate" Cocktail Reception

Reflecting on a cherished annual tradition, the AmCham “Meet Your Candidate” Cocktail Reception took place on May 14, 2026. This special event brought together the dynamic AmCham community for an evening of networking and engagement, providing members with the invaluable opportunity to connect with candidates running for vacant seats on the AmCham Board of Directors.

Amidst a warm and relaxed atmosphere, attendees had the opportunity to enjoy engaging conversations, listen to the candidates’ speeches, and exchange ideas while networking over cocktails, creating a refreshing and interactive break from their demanding professional routines. Throughout the evening, each valuable candidate — many of whom have actively contributed to the development and initiatives of AmCham Azerbaijan over the years — delivered speeches presenting their professional backgrounds, visions, and priorities for the future of the Chamber.

As traditionally held ahead of the Board elections, the reception served as an important platform for fostering open dialogue between candidates and members of the AmCham community. This year, 10 vacant seats are available on the Board of Directors, each carrying significant responsibility in representing and advocating for the interests of the business community. Among the 10 elected Board Members, one member will be elected as the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Board members voluntarily dedicate their time, expertise, and leadership to support AmCham’s mission throughout a two-year term (2026–2028).

A total of 14 accomplished professionals stepped forward, presenting their vision and commitment to supporting the future growth and development of AmCham Azerbaijan.

The list of candidates includes:

1. Imran Ahmadzada I Head of NEQSOL Holding Azerbaijan, CFO of NEQSOL Holding Global

2. Elyar Aliyev, Vice president lega I bp Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye region

3. Niyazi Amirbayov, CEO | AgroDairy

4. Ilham Azizov, Founder & Director | iTech Group LLC

5. Francesco Banchini, CEO & Director | European Azerbaijan School

6. Oscar Bogopolski, CEO of McDonald’s Azerbaijan

7. Ramil Eyyubov, Regional Director, Caucasus & Central Asia | CISCO

8. Gunay Jalilova, Deputy CEO | Yelo Bank

9. Fuad Karimov, Regional Managing Director | Xsolla

10. Nuran Kerimov, Managing Partner | Deloitte

11. Yanis Levzhinskiy, Country Director | Baker Hughes OFSE

12. Orkhan Mikayil, CEO | Aqualink LLC

13. Vahid Novruzov, CEO | Grand Logistics Center

14. Kamil Valiyev, Country Co-Managing Partner | Dentons

To get acquainted with the candidates’ platforms, please follow the link: Candidates’ Platform

Bear in mind that the elections themselves will take place at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held on June 17, 2026. 

The Chamber looks forward to the upcoming Annual General Meeting and to continuing its mission of strengthening Azerbaijan’s business community through active leadership, collaboration, and member engagement.

AmCham Azerbaijan extends its sincere appreciation to all candidates and members who participated in this year’s “Meet Your Candidate” Cocktail Reception and contributed to the engaging and open exchange of ideas. 

Highlight from the event: https://youtu.be/G6vVcALd_ww 

 

 

Date
14 May 2026
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