Timur Turlov Elected FIDE President
Businessman Timur Turlov has been elected the new president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). He is the first Kazakh national to lead world chess.
Timur Turlov has been elected president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), winning a runoff vote at the organization's General Assembly in Samarkand. He ran on a joint ticket with Viswanathan Anand, who will serve as deputy president.
This election makes Turlov the first Kazakh national to head FIDE, a significant development for the chess community in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. His term as president will run for four years, concluding in 2030.
Turlov is also the founder and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., a Nasdaq-listed financial services and technology group. His platform for FIDE emphasizes digital transformation and increased investment in global chess development, echoing his business background.
He has pledged over $8.5 million for FIDE's development, including funds to double resources for national federations and simplify grant access. Turlov aims to modernize the organization and enhance its global standing.