Gulbaniz Mammadova

EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2025 finalist, Azerbaijan
Founder and CEO of Princeps Legem

Gulbaniz Mammadova is bridging regulatory gaps across sectors.

Gulbaniz Mammadova began her career in humanitarian aid, but during her 13-year tenure at energy technology company Baker Hughes, she was inspired to start her own business. 

Throughout her time in the industry, Gulbaniz observed that many companies — Baker Hughes included — were struggling to navigate local employment regulations and secure work permits under production sharing agreements (PSAs). A major challenge was the inability to fulfill nationalization plans, which limited the legalization of international workforces and compliance with local labor laws. 

Recognizing this gap, Gulbaniz founded Princeps Legem, initially focusing on nationalization strategies and regulatory compliance. What began as a solution to support workforce localization quickly evolved into a broader human capital services business. Today, Princeps Legem provides recruitment, personnel supply and HR performance management services to help clients optimize their workforce planning, enhance compliance and meet project demands efficiently. 

Under Gulbaniz’s leadership, the company has grown to include nearly 300 contract employees and expanded its operations into Turkey, the Middle East and Kazakhstan, delivering strategic HR and compliance solutions across diverse markets.  

Gulbaniz is dedicated to fostering gender diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. Understanding firsthand the challenges women face in the corporate world, especially as a mother of two, she has made it a priority to create opportunities for women professionals. Today, women make up more than 80% of her workforce. As her business grows and enters new markets, she remains committed to her values — integrity, excellence, and meaningful social impact.