Hafiz Zeynalov was born on 8 December 1983.
Between 2000 and 2006, he studied at the Faculty of International Law of Baku State University. He later continued his education at the Faculty of International Economic Relations of the Azerbaijan State University of Economics, where he studied from 2007 to 2009.
From 2006 to 2022, Zeynalov held various positions at the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Between 2005 and 2006, he served as an Adviser in the CIS Cooperation Sector of the Department for Investments and International Economic Cooperation. From 2006 to 2007, he worked as a Senior Adviser in the Interstate Economic Cooperation Sector of the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, before being promoted to Chief Adviser in the same sector, a position he held from 2007 to 2010.
Between 2010 and 2012, he served as Head of the Intergovernmental Commissions and Bilateral Documents Sector within the Department of Interstate Economic Cooperation of the Ministry's Executive Office. From 2012 to 2018, he was Deputy Head of the Department, before leading it as Head from 2018 to 2021. From December 2021 to March 2022, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Head of the Department of Interstate Economic Cooperation.
During his tenure at the Ministry, he was actively involved in organising national and international events and forums, as well as drafting and coordinating bilateral agreements.
In June 2016, he was awarded the Medal for Distinction in Civil Service by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev.
From March to May 2022, Zeynalov served as Head of the Administrative Department at SOCAR. Since May 2022, he has held the position of Chief of Staff at SOCAR. In his current role, he oversees a broad range of functions, including social projects, transport, security, administrative affairs, the centralised archive, citizen relations, international relations and sport.
Since 18 March 2026, he has served as Chairman of the SOCAR Territorial Party Organisation of the Narimanov District Organisation of the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP).
Hafiz Zeynalov was also presented with a Letter of Appreciation by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, in recognition of his contribution to the implementation of SOCAR's activities within the framework of COP29.
In addition to serving as Chairman of the Executive Boards of Neftçi IK and Neftçi MTK, he is also Chairman of the Supervisory Board of EKOL.
Since 30 November 2022, Hafiz Zeynalov has served as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Neftçi Professional Football Club.