EY awards Kusto Group’s CEO Yerkin Tatishev ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’.
In the last days of February, the founder of Kusto Group was named ‘Entrepreneur of the Year 2021’ by Ernst & Young. The professional services firm acknowledged the performance of Yerkin Tatishev in a highly complex economic environment. In addition, the judges highlighted his charitable work for those affected by COVD-19.
The award was defined by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development representatives and the Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan. Nurlan Smagulov, former Kazakhstan Entrepreneur of the Year, was among those who chose Yerkin Tatishev as the winner.
Kusto Group CEO will compete for the EY international award
The winner of each national program will compete for the prestigious EY World Entrepreneur of The Year award. This annual world meeting is held in June in Monte Carlo, Monaco.
This event highlights how the world’s most innovative entrepreneurs thrive and manage themselves. All of them recognized for finding new opportunities even in times of unprecedented change.
As the winner, Yerkin Tatishev is now eligible to participate in the EY international event. In it, he will compete with other prominent business figures for the award.
In 2019 Mr. Tatishev put himself at the service of local communities. The businessman stated that Kusto Group’s future projects include the goal of opening more than 60 Wendy’s branches in Central Asia.
Although these projects are long term, the Yerkin Tatishev promised to create more than 800 jobs and the opening of more than 25 other restaurants in Kazakhstan.
Since the founding of Kusto Group, investing in Kazakhstan and maintaining strong ties to the region, the birthplace of Kusto’s founders, has been one of the company’s top priorities.
Why Wendy’s? Devoting much of his life to the service market, Yerkin Tatishev marveled when the fast-food chain pledged to incorporate local produce into its meals. Wendy’s already sources 60% of its ingredients from local suppliers, unlike other Western restaurant chains that rely heavily on imported produce.
“Our goal is to build expertise and future-proof food safety through partnerships with global industry leaders,” said Tatishev.
Kazbeef is the first company to export Angus and Hereford cattle to Kazakhstan. It is dedicated to producing beef of the highest quality, incorporating new techniques, and using the country’s rich soil. A vital element of the company’s success is its ability to introduce new technologies.
EY award for Yerkin Tatishev’s help to Ukrainian hospitals
In the 12 years that Kusto Group has, Mr. Tatishev has employed more than 8,000 workers worldwide. He has managed to lead the company in establishing the Kusto Help charity. An initiative that explores the different ways to support providers of essential services and provide help to families affected by the pandemic.
Since the start of the pandemic, the Kusto Help Foundation has donated hundreds of millions of dollar’s worth of medical equipment, food, household items, and electronics. For the spring of 2020, the foundation also provided hospitals in Ukraine with medical devices such as ventilators, defibrillators and FFP3 respirators.
Later that year, Kusto Help provided more than $200,000 worth of antibacterial medication to Covid-19 patients in Kazakhstan. Donations were made with the assistance of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Ukraine.
Due to the company’s entrepreneurial spirit, Kusto Group took the lead in charitable giving during a difficult time. Not only with the Covid-19 pandemic but also with action towards water scarcity in Kazakhstan poses a severe threat to the region.
Yerkin Tatishev addresses environmental and social problems in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, according to UN officials, has severe water shortages. The international organization established that the country is highly dependent on its neighbors, including Central Asia and China.
Yerkin Tatishev has taken the initiative in response to this environmental and social problem. On behalf of Kusto Group, he has aligned himself with the Government of Kazakhstan and Valmont Industries of the United States to find a solution.
Together they plan to open a manufacturing plant to produce 1,000 pivot irrigation devices a year in Kazakhstan.
Through this partnership, the agencies and the government bring innovative irrigation systems to farms. Also, within this project, they teach local farmers how to handle these elements.
Education on water management for small farmers in the region is crucial for the agricultural sector in Kazakhstan. For this, the state establishes the infrastructure in the fields and pays the installation costs for the farmers.
Yerkin Tatishev’s involvement in the operations of the Kusto Group played a significant role in the judges’ decisions. They have been recognized as exemplary Kazakh entrepreneurs through innovative and charitable achievements.
Among the most prestigious business awards in the region is the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award. This recognition has marked a before and after in Mr. Tatishev’s career and in the future of Kusto Group since a world-renowned brand has recognized his hard work.
Read more:
EY’s most prestigious business awards goes to Yerkin Tatishev
