TEDxUNEC

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Anar Bayramov

  Chief People Officer

  Anar Bayramov, a graduate of the Azerbaijan State University of Economics (2000–2004), has over 24 years of professional work experience. He began his career in 2002 as an ordinary employee at McDonald’s, gradually developing and today he is the company’s General Director for Human Resources. Currently, Anar Bayramov heads 5 main departments of the organization and plays a strategic role in the development of human capital, leadership and shaping corporate culture.

• Aysel Suleymanova

  Director of PR and Corporate Communications Department at Bakcell

  Aysel is a passionate leader with 20 years of experience in strategic marketing and communications focused on driving transformative initiatives and value proposition for diverse organizations and stakeholders. She has a strong background in strategic advisory and transforming marketing and communications functions in multinational and multicultural environments. Aysel is the Director of PR and Corporate Communications Department at Bakcell, the first and largest private TelCo in Azerbaijan. She is also the Founder and Chair of Marketing, Communications and BD Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan and trusted adviser to government and private organisations. Previously, Aysel served as the Director of Communications Department at Azerbaijan Airlines, the National Flag Carrier and Head of Marketing, Communications and BD at PwC Azerbaijan/Big4.

• Haji Gafarov

  Entrepreneur

  Haji Gafarov began his journey as a volunteer during his school years and started his corporate career while still in his second year at university. Entering the ERP sector, he gained valuable experience in understanding business operations and worked closely with entrepreneurs and executives. During his final year at university, he co-organized one of Azerbaijan’s most impactful youth events, the “Youth Social Media Forum.” He has also been involved in three different startups as a founder, partner, and product owner. Haji has represented Azerbaijan in Erasmus+ projects held in Germany and Georgia. During his academic years, he was awarded the “Əlaçı” scholarship established by PASHA Holding. Currently, he is the Head of Corporate Sales at Hazel, co-founder at regional Investment event INVESTxBaku and continues to support young people as a personal development mentor.

• Kamran Agabalayev

  Actor

  Kamran Agabalayev was born on March 3, 1980, in Baku. He graduated from Secondary School No. 190 and later from the Faculty of Law at Baku State University. For a period, he worked in his field at the Nizami District Court, where he had been assigned after graduation. He has participated in numerous acting masterclasses and made his film debut portraying Major Savelyev in the movie “I Am Returning Home” directed by Samir Karimoglu. In most of the films he has been involved in, he has also worked as an assistant director. In addition, Kamran Agabalayev is the author of several theater plays. His works, including “The Tale of Prince Khazar”, “Animals – The Investigation Continues”, and “Code Name: Bald, Kosa, Spring Girl”, have been staged at the Azerbaijan State Theatre for Young Spectators.

• Kemal Bashturk

  COO of PASHA Malls

  He graduated from the Department of International Relations at Marmara University in 1999 and began his career in the finance sector. Over the years, he has gained extensive experience in retail, shopping mall management, and operations. As the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Pasha Malls, he has contributed to the development of the retail ecosystem in Azerbaijan and has actively worked in the field of shopping mall management.

• Sakit Samadov

  Professor

  Sakit Samadov is a currently Advisor to Rector for Cooperation with Alumni and Collaboration with Industry at Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University. Also he is the Chairman of the Supervisory Board Destec Group (from 2017 to now), Chairman of the Supervisory Board Nigar Agriculture/Hijaz Space (from 2019 to now) and Consultant at Alesta Trade Domestic and Domestic Trade Co.,Ltd. (from 2018 to now)

• Togrul Gurbanov

  Blogger

  Togrul Qurbanov is a creative professional with extensive experience in photography, content production, and brand marketing. Since 2010, he has been actively working across multiple photography genres, including portrait, event, commercial, and artistic photography. Since 2019, Toğrul has been closely collaborating with the marketing team of the Birmarket brand, while also leading his own creative agency. Through this agency, he has provided full-service solutions including photography, video production, social media management, and advertising campaigns. Today, his work continues to combine creativity with strategic thinking, strengthening his expertise in leadership, project management, and brand development.

• Vahida Rzayeva

  HR Director of PASHA Holding

  She served as the Human Resources Director at AzerGold CJSC during 2023–2024 and previously worked at Azercell Telecom LLC from 2011 to 2022 as an Organizational Development and Transformation Expert. She has been working at PASHA Holding since 2024. Vahida Rzayeva completed her bachelor’s degree in Management at the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan (2007–2011). She later earned her master’s degree in Operations Management through a joint program between Georgia State University (USA) and the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy (2011–2013).

• Vugar Jafarov

  CEO of YIĞIM Payment

  Vugar Jafarov is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the IT, telecommunications, and fintech sectors. Throughout his career, he has successfully held leadership roles in business development and product management. Driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Vugar Jafarov founded YIĞIM Payment System, a fintech company that delivers some of the most innovative payment solutions in Azerbaijan. Currently serving as the Director of YIĞIM, he continues to shape the company’s future alongside his team while contributing to the advancement of the fintech industry.