Contacts

Anton Besaris is General Manager – Power Generation at Azizi Energy, with more than 30 years of international experience in the power generation and industrial sectors across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. He has built a strong reputation for leading complex power generation projects, improving operational performance and delivering practical, results-driven solutions throughout the full asset lifecycle.

Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership positions with leading international energy companies, including roles as Plant General Manager and Chief Operating Officer. He has managed large thermal power plants exceeding 1,300 MW, led multidisciplinary teams of several hundred employees and contractors, and been responsible for multi-million-dollar CAPEX and OPEX budgets. Under his leadership, power plants have achieved significant improvements in availability, reliability, safety performance and cost efficiency, including industry recognition through the 2023 Asian Power Award for Best Coal Project.

His expertise includes conventional power generation, plant relocation, asset acquisition and due diligence, operations and maintenance, engineering, reliability improvement, turnaround management, asset management, contract management and organizational development.

Anton holds a Technical Engineering qualification in Offshore Drilling Technology and has completed professional training in project management, ISO 55001 Asset Management, Lean Management, auditing and executive leadership. He is fluent in Dutch, English and German, with working knowledge of French.

Known for his decisive, hands-on leadership style, Anton combines strategic thinking with strong execution. He believes in building capable teams, maintaining high technical standards and creating a culture of accountability, safety and continuous improvement to deliver sustainable long-term value.

Jawed Ludin is a distinguished executive leader, diplomat, and former senior government official with more than 30 years of experience across the energy, natural resources, real estate, public policy, international development, and diplomatic sectors, spanning the Middle East, Central Asia, Europe, and North America.

As Chief Executive Officer of Dubai-based Azizi Energy, he leads the company’s strategic growth and operations, overseeing the development and execution of a multi-billion-dollar investment program in power generation and natural resources over the next decade.

Throughout his career, he has built a strong track record of leading organizations through growth, transformation, and complex operating environments, combining commercial acumen with deep expertise in international relations, governance, and stakeholder engagement. Prior to his current role, he held senior leadership positions including Deputy CEO for Operations at Azizi Developments, Executive Director for Afghanistan and Central Asia at ANHAM, and CEO of Mithra Associates, where he advised organizations on strategy, governance, and business development. Earlier, he served in several senior government roles in Afghanistan, including Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief of Staff to the President, Presidential Spokesperson, Ambassador to Canada, and Ambassador to the Nordic countries, representing Afghanistan at major regional and global forums and helping strengthen international partnerships and policy initiatives.

He is also the founder and Honorary Chairman of the Heart of Asia Society, a foreign policy think tank promoting regional dialogue and Track II diplomacy. Mr. Ludin has studied Politics and Sociology at Birkbeck College, University of London, holding an MSc degree in Political Theory, and speaks English, French and Hindi, as well as his native Pashto and Persian languages.

Murat Bağ is a senior energy executive with nearly 30 years of international experience in power generation, industrial facilities, and large-scale infrastructure projects across Türkiye, the Middle East, and Central Asia. He has successfully led the development and delivery of major energy investments, combining technical expertise with strong commercial and strategic leadership.

Throughout his career, Murat has managed complex projects from concept and feasibility through engineering, construction, commissioning, and commercial operation. His experience spans thermal power generation, combined-cycle plants, biomass facilities, and waste heat recovery projects. He has held senior leadership positions at leading energy and industrial organizations, overseeing multi-billion-dollar investments, contract negotiations, project execution, and operational improvement initiatives.

Known for his results-oriented approach, Murat has consistently delivered projects safely, on schedule, and within budget while optimizing commercial outcomes and managing project risks. He has extensive experience leading multidisciplinary teams, managing stakeholder relationships, and driving organizational growth through effective investment and project management strategies.

Murat holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara. Fluent in Turkish, English, and French, he is recognized for his ability to bridge engineering excellence with executive decision-making. His leadership is defined by a commitment to operational excellence, sustainable development, and the successful execution of complex energy and industrial projects that create long-term value.