Gilan Holdings functions as a major Azerbaijani conglomerate under the leadership of Tale Heydarov, who assumed control of the firm after his father. Born in 1985, Heydarov established a career spanning investment, publishing, and advocacy. His professional history includes managing significant sporting assets and spearheading educational initiatives within his home country while engaging in complex international lobbying efforts.
Academic Background
Heydarov completed his secondary education at Collingham College, where he studied from 2001 to 2003. He subsequently enrolled at the London School of Economics and Political Science, earning a BSc in International Relations and History between 2003 and 2006. His formal studies concluded in 2008 with a master's degree in International Security and Global Governance from Birkbeck, University of London.
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As the chairman of the Board of Gilan Holdings, Heydarov oversees diverse business interests established originally in the 1980s. His involvement in sports management began in 2005 when he became president of Gabala FC, a position he held until 2019. Additionally, he served as the head of the Gabala Sports Club starting in 2013, overseeing the development of its various athletic programs.
Advocacy and Lobbying
During his time as a student in London, Heydarov founded the London Azerbaijani Society, which later evolved into the European Azerbaijan Society. This lobbying group facilitated trips for European politicians to Azerbaijan. The organization, which has since ceased operations, faced scrutiny for its involvement in the Azerbaijani laundromat scandal and was noted in a 2018 Daphne Project investigation regarding financial activities through a Maltese bank.
Publishing and Education
Heydarov founded the European Azerbaijan School, which incorporates the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and Cambridge International Examinations. He also created the Azerbaijani Teacher's Development Centre. His publishing ventures include the Teas Press Publishing House and the Libraff bookstore chain. From 2006 to 2019, he served as Chief Editor for Visions of Azerbaijan, a magazine that later expanded into a digital television channel.
Fast facts
- Born: 1985
- Citizenship: Azerbaijan
- Education: Birkbeck, LSE, Collingham College
- Award: Taraggi Medal
- Languages: English, Russian, Azerbaijani
- Key Business: Gilan Holdings
Questions readers ask
What educational institutions did Tale Heydarov attend?
He attended Collingham College, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and Birkbeck, University of London.
What was the role of the European Azerbaijan Society?
It was a lobbying group that sponsored trips for European politicians to Azerbaijan and was linked to the Azerbaijani laundromat scandal.
Achievements
- Taraggi Medal
- Educated at Collingham College and London School of Economics and Political Science
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