The Academic Council of AlmaU has awarded Zhanat Berdalina the prestigious title of Honorary Professor of AlmaU, recognizing her exceptional contribution to the development of management education, scientific advancement, and the growth of the university.
The official ceremony took place on October 31, 2025, during the MBA and DBA graduation event.
Zhanat Berdalina is a renowned expert in finance and management, Independent Director at Polymetal, Co-founder and Chair of the public association Erkin El, Honorary Member of the Kazakhstan Association of Independent Directors (QID), and former President and Managing Partner of KPMG in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Throughout her career, she has held senior leadership roles in major national and international organizations, making a significant impact on the business and governance landscape.
Her longstanding professional and personal contributions are deeply woven into AlmaU’s history. Since 2014, she has been a member of the University’s Board of Trustees, and from 2017 to 2023 served as its Chair. During this period, she demonstrated strategic foresight, strong leadership, and unwavering dedication to AlmaU’s mission. She focused extensively on the quality of education-attending classes, offering recommendations to faculty, and engaging in open dialogue with students and staff. Her thoughtful, human-centered approach strengthened AlmaU’s academic community and culture of trust.
Among her notable initiatives are the introduction of an annual independent financial audit, which significantly enhanced the university’s transparency and credibility, as well as her inspiring guest lectures for Executive MBA and DBA students.
“On behalf of the entire university-faculty, students, and alumni-I express my sincere gratitude to you, Zhanat Kolanovna, for the wisdom and energy you have invested in AlmaU’s development. We are proud to welcome you as an Honorary Professor of our university. May this title stand as a symbol of our deep respect and appreciation for all that you have done, and continue to do, for AlmaU and for the advancement of management education in Kazakhstan,” said AlmaU President Asylbek Kozhakhmetov during the MBA and DBA graduation ceremony.
AlmaU extends its profound gratitude to Zhanat Berdalina for her years of dedicated leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to the values of education.