Shokhrukh Ayibov, founder of the Uzbekistan-based IT company WOOX, announced that a new co-founder and partner has joined the team. Rustam Shanazarov, who previously held the position of partner at the international consulting firm McKinsey & Company, has taken on the role.
What Happened
Rustam Shanazarov is transitioning to a local tech business after nearly nine years in global consulting. According to the founder of WOOX, the company plans to focus on developing strong tech products within Central Asia.
Country and Market
WOOX is based in Uzbekistan. The arrival of a top manager with an international background indicates the company's ambitions to scale. At McKinsey, Shanazarov worked with major banks and fintech players in Central Asia and other regions. His core expertise covers growth strategies, business transformation, and the launch of new business lines.
Why It Matters
The transition of executives from "Big Three" consulting firms to local projects is a notable talent trend for the region. Tech companies gain corporate-level expertise to build processes from scratch and enter new markets.
Local IT players are beginning to compete for talent with the corporate sector, offering partnership stakes and the opportunity to build a business instead of traditional employment.
What's Next
The market will now have to wait and see WOOX's specific product launches. The stated goal of creating world-class companies will require not only a strong strategic vision but also a robust technical infrastructure.