GL Group, Azerbaijan’s first privately owned group of oil and gas companies, has announced the appointment of Farid Baghirov as Vice-President of Commercial and Business Development.
Mr. Baghirov joined GL Group in August 2025 as Group Commercial Director and has played an important role in advancing the Group’s commercial and strategic growth agenda. Over the past year, he has contributed to key business development initiatives, supported the Group’s M&A activities, and helped strengthen the commercial capabilities as GL Group continues to expand.
Mr. Baghirov is a seasoned business development and commercial leader with over 18 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, including international assignments in the UK, UAE, and Oman. Throughout his career, he has developed regional oil and gas strategies for multi-billion-dollar portfolios and successfully delivered major business development transactions, including new country access opportunities.
Prior to joining GL Group, Mr. Baghirov worked at bp in London as an Associate Manager in the M&A team, supporting projects with a combined value exceeding US$500 million. He later moved to bp Oman as Business Development Advisor, where he successfully secured a pioneering green hydrogen farm-in deal.
As Vice-President of Commercial and Business Development, Farid Baghirov will report directly to the Group CEO and will serve as a member of GL Group’s Executive Team. He will lead the Group’s business development strategy, identify and pursue new growth opportunities, strengthen strategic partnerships, and support the execution of GL Group’s expansion objectives.
Mr. Baghirov holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in International Economic Relations from Azerbaijan State Economic University.
About GL Group
GL Group operates five oil and gas fields across Azerbaijan, including “Kursangi” and “Garabaghli” in the Salyan region and “Buzovna-Mashtagha,” “Gala,” and “Zira” on the Absheron Peninsula. The group of companies’ portfolio includes operating companies such as “Salyan Oil Limited,” “Taghiyev Operating Company,” and “GL Technical Services” LLC, which provides technical services in the oil and gas industry. In its first international move, GL Group in 2024 acquired a 25% stake in Canadian Gazelle Energy Limited’s highly prospective gas license in Türkiye’s Thrace Basin. For more information about GL Group and its strategic initiatives, please visit www.gl.world.
