Ermek Aldabergenūly Sağymbaev (, born 11 October 1967) is a Kazakh lawyer, security and intelligence officer who currently serves as the Chairman of the National Security Committee since 2022. He previously served as Head of the State Security Service from 2021 to 2022. He also holds the military rank of National Security Lieutenant General since 2022.
Early life and education Sağymbaev was born in Almaty Region, Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic, Soviet Union (now Almaty Region, Kazakhstan) on 11 October 1967.
From 1985 to 1987, he served in the Soviet Army.
In 1992, he graduated from Kazakh Polytechnic Institute (now Kazakh National Technical University) with a degree in electromechanical engineering. In 2007, he earned a law degree from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. In 2021, he completed a Master's program in national security and military affairs at the National Defense University, specializing in management in the field of state security, earning the academic degree of master of National Security and Military Affairs.
Career From 1994 to 2006, he held officer positions in the national security agencies. From 2006 to 2019, he served in officer and leadership roles in the Security Service of the President of Kazakhstan.
On 8 May 2019, he was appointed Deputy Head of the State Security Service (SSS), concurrently serving as head of the Presidential Security Service, a unit within the SSS.
On 27 July 2021, he was relieved of his duties as Head of the Presidential Security Service but retained his position as Deputy Head of the SSS.
Nearly a month later, on 25 August, by decree of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev No. 643, Sağymbaev was promoted to Head of the SSS.
On 6 January 2022, amid nationwide protests and a state of emergency, Ermek Sağymbaev was urgently appointed Chairman of the National Security Committee by Tokayev's decree No. 747, without Senate approval, replacing Karim Massimov, who was arrested on 8 January.
On 28 November of the same year, following the presidential election in which Tokayev was victorious, Sağymbaev was reappointed to the position by Tokayev's decree with Senate consent.
After the new Constitution was adopted in 2026, which gives the president the sole authority to appoint the NSC's chairman, Tokayev reappointed Ermek Sağymbaev to the post on 24 August 2026.
Honors and awards Order of Glory 1st (2026) and 2nd class. Medal "For Impeccable Service" 2nd and 3rd class. Medal "For valiantly ensuring the safety of Elbasy" (now Medal "For worthy service") 3rd class.
Honors
Honorary Officer of the State Security Service.
Military rank
Major General of the State Security Service (2020). National Security Lieutenant General (2022).
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