Akhmetov continued to serve as the Defense Minister under Massimov's government until being relieved from his post on 17 June 2009. In December 2010, it was revealed that Akhmetov headed a company in the field of ecological energy and did not want to return to politics, KazTAG reported. According to the agency, Akhmetov was pleased with such changes in his life, since he began to spend more time with his family and friends. He also led a halthy lifestyle and was engaged in cycling. Akhmetov also denied rumors that he allegedly wanted to shoot himself after resignation.