Meet Our Team
Our consultants combine global experience with local insight to deliver results that matter
Ilkin Garayev is the Founder and CEO of AzEcoConsulting with over 30 years of experience in institutional development, strategic management and SME advisory. He specializes in business strategy and management, marketing and customer-focused programs, SME development and institutional strengthening, international trade and financial instruments, and business planning and diagnostics.
Ilkin has led major projects and provided advisory services for local and international organizations, including the World Bank, EBRD, GIZ, S&P Global, CIPE and ABTM. He holds a Master’s degree in Philology and several professional accreditations — notably the ITS (eBSI), EOQ Quality System Manager certificate, and executive training from JICA and EBRD — alongside participation in numerous international professional programs.
A seasoned manager and trainer, Ilkin has held executive roles such as Founder of AzEcoConsulting, Vice-President of Overall Management Group and CEO of BIMD, and serves on boards and working groups that support state programs and SME ecosystems. He is co-founder and Chair of the SME Development Support Centre and remains an active contributor to national NGO and policy initiatives.
Aydin Hasanov, a truly exceptional individual who was the heart and soul of our consultancy for more than two decades. Though he has passed away, he leaves behind an amazing and inspiring legacy that still guides every one of us.
When we think of Aydin, we remember that while his professional achievements were immense, it was his remarkable kindness, warmth, and readiness to help that truly defined him. That beautiful character will forever be etched in our hearts.
Aydin was so much more than a leader; he was a true mentor and a friend. His spirit of generosity and unwavering support created a culture of both empathy and excellence right here within our company.
His dedication to his work was nothing short of extraordinary. Over his twenty-year career, his contribution to both the firm and our entire field was enormous. His expert vision and guidance led to the successful management of over 100 high-impact research and assessment projects.
Yes, Aydin set an unparalleled professional standard. But ultimately, it is his humanity that we will cherish most dearly. We move forward carrying his memory with gratitude for his profound life and the indelible mark he left on all of us.
Sabit Bagirov is the President of the Entrepreneurship Development Foundation with over 30 years of experience in SME development, institutional strengthening, and strategic management. He has led more than 40 donor-funded projects supported by USAID, the World Bank, the EU, CIPE, and other international organizations, driving major reforms to improve the business environment in Azerbaijan. Under his leadership, around 800 aspiring entrepreneurs have been trained and 78 women-owned businesses established, and he has authored several practical guides for small businesses while hosting the “Economic Forum” program.
Bagirov has served as an advisor to the President and held leadership roles in public institutions, where he contributed to the creation of key national policies, institutional frameworks, and legislative initiatives.
He holds an honors degree in engineering and a PhD, with strong competencies in project management, strategic planning, policy development, and international cooperation. He is fluent in Azerbaijani, Turkish, and Russian, and has a good command of English.
Tahir Tahirov is a seasoned professional and technical expert bringing over 20 years of extensive international experience, with a primary focus on the petroleum and energy sectors. Tahir Tahirov is an Authorized Quantrix Software Trainer and Consultant, leveraging his specialized expertise to drive advanced modeling solutions. His company, Smart Modeling Solutions, is the Quantrix Partner for the expansive regions of Europe, CIS countries, and Turkey.
He has a proven track record of driving corporate success through robust financial planning & analytics, economics, budgeting, and the successful implementation of software solutions. His proficiency also extends to hands-on project management, consistently delivering complex, international initiatives on time and within scope.
A commitment to continuous learning is underscored by his powerful academic foundation: he holds two Master of Science degrees—in Business Administration and Energy Studies – complemented by a Ph.D. in Computer Science. Furthermore, his remarkable ability to communicate and negotiate fluently in five languages makes him an invaluable asset for navigating and leading diverse international and multicultural environments.
Hear from our happy clients
“AzEcoConsulting has provided us with high quality information concerning the following topics:
- macro-economic data on Azerbaijan economy
- foreign investment procedures
- nature and juridical status of companies
- import-export regimes
- tax regime
- procedures for personnel recruiting and cost of labor
- main suppliers of services to enterprises (i.e. banks, insuring
companies, chambers of commerce, etc.)
- procedures for financial participation of Italian and international
organizations in joint-ventures, cooperation projects, etc.
AzEcoConsulting showed to bе а reliable and professional partner, сараblе of responding to our specific requests with punctuality and precision.”
Dr. Claudio Di Giorgio
Head of Information Services Department at Informest – Service and Documentation Centre for International Economic Cooperation in Gorizia, Italy.
“AzEcoConsulting conducted marketing research in the telecommunications sector in the Republic of Azerbaijan. Their work was consistently professional, efficient, and of high quality. Throughout our collaboration, AzEcoConsulting demonstrated the expertise and capability required to meet international standards. The results fully met our expectations — both in terms of content and presentation — and we confidently recommend them for similar research and consulting engagements.”
William J. Murphy
Chairman, СЕО
Fire Telecommunications, Inc.
“AzEcoConsulting prepared preliminary feasibility studies for both the construction of a gas station complex and the establishment of an oil product distribution system. They delivered both projects on time and exactly as specified in terms of content and format. Throughout our collaboration, AzEcoConsulting proved to be a stable, fair, and reliable partner – professionally managed and genuinely pleasant to work with.”
Ahmet Bayrak
Resident Manager at Turkish Petroleum International Company Ltd.
Ready to move forward with confidence?
Let’s build your success story in Azerbaijan. Contact us today for a free consultation or proposal.