SPEAKERS
Fredrik Reinfeldt
Former Swedish Prime Minister
Fredrik Reinfeldt
Former Swedish Prime Minister
Fredrik Reinfeldt has been active in Swedish and international politics for over 25 years. As Party leader and Swedish Prime Minister, Mr Reinfeldt reinvented the Moderate Party (centre-right) and formed a four-party alliance that won two successive elections.
Today Mr Reinfeldt is active giving lectures on geopolitical situation, leadership, economy and European and Nordic politics.
In May 2022 Mr Reinfeldt was appointed chair of Visita. Visita represents approximately 8.000 hotels, restaurants and other enterprises in the Swedish hospitality sector.
Since May 2021 Mr Reinfeldt is chair of Drivkraft Sverige. The Swedish Industry Organisation for Sustainable and Innovative Mobility (Drivkraft Sverige) is a national industry organisation for fuel and biofuel producers and marketing companies its members. Drivkraft Sverige works actively with the change to a carbon neutral society by 2045.
In August 2019 he was appointed chair of the newly formed Centrum för AMP. Centrum för AMP is a centre of excellence in the field of activating public spaces. It´s a Swedish model of the BID-concept (Business improvement district) that successfully has been used in for example New York and London.
During the years 2016-2019 Mr Reinfeldt held the post as chair to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). The EITI is an international coalition of stakeholders working together to promote open and accountable management of natural resources.
Between 2016-2020 Mr Fredrik Reinfeldt was appointed as Senior Advisor to Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Since 2016 he is also Political Advisor to Nordic Capital, a leading Northern Europe private equity investor.
Yanis Varoufakis
Economist , Former Minister of Finance of Greece
Yanis Varoufakis
Economist , Former Minister of Finance of Greece
Yanis Varoufakis is a member of Greece’s Parliament and parliamentary leader of MeRA25, the Greek political party belonging to DiEM25 – Europe’s first transnational paneuropean movement.
In his own words, Varoufakis was “thrust onto the public scene by Europe’s inane handling of an inevitable crisis”. In January 2015 he was elected to Greece’s Parliament with the largest majority in the country and served as Greece’s Finance Minister between January and early July of 2015. During those tumultuous six months he faced down the authoritarian ineptitude of the world’s most powerful institutions – the International Monetary Fund, the European Commission, and the European Central Bank; three institutions determined to impose upon the poorest of Greeks the harshest austerity in history. Varoufakis resigned the finance ministry when he refused to sign a loan agreement that perpetuated Greece’s debt-deflationary cycle.
A year later, Varoufakis co-founded DiEM25 (the Democracy in Europe Movement) and, two years hence, in 2018, he launched its Greek electoral wing (MeRA25). Also in 2018, together with US Senator Bernie Sanders, he established the Progressive International – a global movement whose affiliated members exceed 200 million persons from across the world. In addition to these organisational endeavours, he has travelled extensively giving talks and participating in various activist events and projects.
Yanis Varoufakis read mathematics and economics at the Universities of Essex and Birmingham and subsequently taught economics at the Universities of East Anglia, Cambridge, Sydney, Glasgow, Texas and Athens where he still holds a Chair in Political Economy and Economic Theory. He is also Honorary Professor of Political Economy at the University of Sydney, Honoris Causa Professor of Law, Economics and Finance at the University of Torino, Visiting Professor of Political Economy at King’s College, London, and Doctor of the University Honoris Causa at University of Sussex.
Currently completing a new book entitled Technofeudalism: Capitalism’s stealthy successor (to be published by Penguin in the UK), he is the author of a number of best-selling books, including Another Now: A novel (Penguin UK & Melville House US), Adults in the Room: My struggle against Europe’s Deep Establishment (London: Bodley Head, 2017); Talking to My Daughter About the Economy: A brief history of capitalism (London: Bodley Head, 2017), And the Weak Suffer What They Must? Europe, Austerity and the Threat to Global Stability (London: Bodley Head and NY: Nation Books, 2016); and The Global Minotaur: America, Europe and the Future of the World Economy (London: Zed Books, 2011,2015). His academic books include Economic Indeterminacy (London: Routledge, 2014); Game Theory: An introductory Text (London: Routledge, 2003), Foundations of Economics (London: Routledge, 1998); and Rational Conflict (Oxford: Blackwell, 1991).
Adil Sani Konukoğlu
Chairman of the Board of Directors of SANKO Holding
Adil Sani Konukoğlu
Chairman of the Board of Directors of SANKO Holding
Adil Sani Konukoğlu, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of SANKO Holding, was born in 1961 in Gaziantep. He completed his high school education in Gaziantep in 1980 and his English language education at the University of Denver in the U.S.A. in 1984.
In 1987, he started his professional career at the spinning mills within the organization of Sanko Textile between 1992 and 2006, he served as the CFO within the organization of SANKO Holding. He has served as the head of the group, covering the Schools, Hospitals, Cement-Concrete and Yarn-Towels, within the organization of SANKO Holding, since 2006. In addition to the positions he has held as the group head, he held office as the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of SANKO Holding between 2014 and 2020. In 2020, he became the Chairman of the Board of Directors of SANKO Holding. Adil Sani Konukoğlu is married and is the father of three children.
Social and professional organizations that he currently takes office in:
• Chairman of the Board of Directors of SANKO Holding
• Chairman of the Assembly of the Gaziantep Chamber of Industry
• Chairman of the Assembly of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) Turkey Textile Industry
• Council Member of TOBB Chambers of Industry
• Member of TOBB High Board of Strategy Development
• Chairman of the Arbitration Council of TOBB
• Vice-Chairman of the Board of the Entrepreneurs in the Organized Industrial Zone in Gaziantep
• Member of the Board of Directors of the Gaziantep Development Foundation
• Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Turkish Cement Manufacturers’ Association
• Chairman of the Board of Directors of Cement Industry Employers’ Association
Social and professional organizations that he previously took office in:
• Founding Chairman of Gaziantep Young Businessmen Association
• Chairman of the Southeastern Anatolia Association of Exporters of Textiles and Raw Materials
• Chairman of the Board of Directors of Gaziantep Employers’ Association of Textile Industry
• Chairman of the Gaziantep Chamber of Industry
• Member of the Board of Arbitration of TOBB
• Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Jerusalem Arbitration Center of TOBB
• Member of the B20 Turkish Business Leaders Forum
• Vice-Chairman of the City Council of Gaziantep
• Chairman of the Board of Directors of Gazisehir Gaziantep Football Club
• Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sankospor Sports Club
• Member of the Board of Directors of Gaziantepspor (Gaziantep Sports Club)
• Member of the Board of Directors of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Arbitration Center
Agah Uğur
Vice Chairperson of Dogan Holding
Agah Uğur
Vice Chairperson of Dogan Holding
Agah Ugur studied industrial engineering at the University of Birmingham, UK then qualified as a chartered accountant in England in 1985.
He worked in Birmingham, London and Jersey offices of Touche Ross & Co (currently Deloitte), Istanbul office of Arthur Andersen and Türkiye Emlak Bankası before joining Borusan Group in 1989 as CFO. He served as Group CEO between 2001 and 2018 until he retired.
He is currently serving as vice chairperson of Dogan Holding and as board member in Pegasus Havayolları, Coca Cola İçecek, Alcatel Lucent Teletaş Telekomünikasyon, Gözde Girişim as well as advisory board member in some reputable Turkish corporations.
Since 2019, Agah Ugur is a partner and chairperson in an Istanbul based venture capital firm, Bogazici Ventures. He also manages his own portfolio of technology startups.
Agah held more than 15 board and advisory board positions in various NGO’s during his professional career.
Currently he is a member of High Advisory Council of TUSIAD, member of the Board of Trustees of Sabanci University, member of the Advisory Board of Columbia University Istanbul Global Center. He is also a founding member and vice chairperson of Saha Foundation, supporting Turkish contemporary art.
He is an art collector with a special focus on new media and video art.
Ahmet Akbalık
Co-Founder and Chairman of Özak Global Holding
Ahmet Akbalık
Co-Founder and Chairman of Özak Global Holding
Ahmet Akbalık was born in 1971 in Istanbul. He started to work for the family company at a young age and continued his education at the same time. After he graduated, he established Özak Tekstil ve Konfeksiyon Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. (Özak Textile and Ready-Made Clothes Industry and Trade Inc.) in 1991 and made the company one of the leading companies of the sector in a short time.
Ahmet Akbalık entered the construction sector with İnt-Er Yapı A.Ş. (İnt-Er Construction Inc.) in 1995 with a focus on the construction of residences, shopping centres, business centres and hotels. This experience helped lay the foundations of Özak GYO (Özak REIC).
After that, Ahmet Akbalık established Kübrateks Tekstil Sanayi ve Dış Ticaret A.Ş. (Kübrateks Textile Industry and Foreign Trade Inc.) in 1997. Adopting high quality as a principle, Kübrateks works with denim in all the stages from manufacturing to design.
Ahmet Akbalık established Aktay Turizm (Aktay Tourism) in 2004, which was Özak Global’s investment in tourism. Aktay Turizm contributes to Turkish tourism sector and adds on to the promotion of the county with Ela Excellence Resort Hotel situated in Belek, Antalya. Currently, Aktay Turizm is keeping on working on new investments.
Özak Gayrimenkul Yatırım Ortaklığı A.Ş (Özak Real Estate Inc.), which was an investment of the group in the real estate sector, was founded by Ahmet Akbalık in 2008. Özak GYO develops projects in five different segments, namely residence, office, storage, tourism and retail. ÖZAK GYO went public in 2012 with a successful listing, and it is now traded on BIST 100. ÖZAK GYO ranked 57th on the 2015 Forbes list of “100 Biggest Turkish Companies”. ÖZAK GYO is now one of the biggest real estate companies in Turkey, and it will confidently continue to be so with its strong financial structure.
Ahmet Akbalık founded Akyön Tesis Yönetim Hizmetleri A.Ş. (Akyön Facility Management Services Inc.) in 2011. It works on real estate projects related to plazas, residences, hotels, offices, industrial storage, logistic centres and shopping malls and renders services such as market analysis, development processes, marketing, management and renting.
Ahmet Akbalık united all his companies under the roof of Özak Global Holding A.Ş. in 2009 and now works as the Co-Founder and Chairman Özak Global Holding. Ahmet Akbalık has employed more than 5.000 people in Özak Global Holding. Thus, as a locomotive of Turkish economy, Ahmet Akbalık concentrates on the holding’s future strategies.
Ahmet Faralyalı
Co-Founder of Mediterra Capital Management Limited
Ahmet Faralyalı
Co-Founder of Mediterra Capital Management Limited
Ahmet Faralyali is a co-founder of Mediterra Capital Management Limited. Prior to founding Mediterra, he was with KKR in London where he had the responsibility of expanding KKR’s investing activities in Turkey. He has been involved in several leveraged buyout and growth equity transactions in Turkey and in Europe. Ahmet Faralyali has an MBA from Stanford University GSB, a BSc in Applied Mathematics and a BA in Business Economics from UCLA. Ahmet Faralyali serves on the Board of Directors of Dürümle, Glasshouse, Tavuk Dünyası, Terra Pizza, and Paycore. He previously served on the boards of Arzum and ACP
Ahu Serter
President of Fark Holding Founder of FARK LABS
Ahu Serter
President of Fark Holding Founder of FARK LABS
Ahu Serter is the founder of FARK LABS, a global strategy &innovation advisory to help
stakeholders to build their future portfolios and invest in the better version of themselves.
Fark Labs is a catalyst focused on driving change, inquiry, and curiosity for a better future,
mainly in the fields of mobility, renewable energy, human essentials (water, food,
agriculture), disaster technologies and sustainable materials.
Serter is a GP in Senter Ventures, F+Ventures and Arya Ventures, the first gender balanced
VC fund in Turkey. She also serves as the president of Female Strategic Initiative of Turkey,
appointed by Industry & Technology Ministry. She is a board member at Şişecam and
TAYSAD (Turkish Suppliers Association), in addition to her board roles in her portfolio
companies.
She is also the president of Fark Holding, comprising of automotive supplier companies
Farplas, Farform, Faraero, Farplas&Smart Solutions, Romania and Thailand.
Ali Emre Sever
Chief Executive Officer of Multinet Up
Ali Emre Sever
Chief Executive Officer of Multinet Up
Ali Emre Sever graduated from the Economics Department of Boğaziçi University. In 2005, he
joined the international consulting and audit firm Ernst & Young, and continued until 2013 as
Senior Audit Manager. Then, he held the position of Director of Financial Control for the Middle
East and Turkey zone at Türk Philips. In 2015, he became Group Director of Financial Affairs at
Mobiliz, a technology company working in the traceability systems. As of March 2020, he
becomes Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board of Directors of Mobiliz. Since April
2022, Ali Emre Sever has held the position of Chief Executive Officer of Multinet Up.
Prof. Dr. Ali Hakan Kara
Professor of Central Banking and Financial Markets at Bilkent University, Economics Department
Prof. Dr. Ali Hakan Kara
Professor of Central Banking and Financial Markets at Bilkent University, Economics Department
Hakan Kara is a former chief economist of the Central Bank of Turkey and currently a full professor of Central Banking and Financial Markets at Bilkent University, economics department. Mr. Kara worked at the Central Bank of Turkey as the head of research and monetary policy department and chief economist between 2008-2019. He collaborated with five different central bank governors and played a leading role in the analysis, design, communication and implementation of monetary and macroprudential policies in Turkey during the past two decades, before joining Bilkent University as a full time faculty in 2020. His social media account where he shares macroeconomics posts has reached half a million followers in three years. Hakan Kara has a Ph.D. from New York University economics department. He received his M.A. degree from Bilkent University on economics and B.A. from METU on electrical and electronical engineering. He has published regularly in leading scholarly journals, including Journal of International Economics, NBER Working Papers, Journal of Money Credit and Banking, and International Journal of Central Banking. Dr. Kara’s work has been cited more 5K times in academic papers.
Alphan Göğüş
CEO of Bitexen
Alphan Göğüş
CEO of Bitexen
Alphan Göğüş, a Bilkent University Economics Department alumnus, embarked on his professional journey at Deloitte Turkey in 2003. After a distinguished 13-year tenure, Göğüş held critical C-Level positions at BTCTurk from 2016 to 2019, and went on to lead as General Manager at Huobi Turkey and Huobi Global, and Bybit Turkey through pivotal years. His extensive international management experience and profound insights into the cryptocurrency sector equip him to drive Bitexen towards greater heights. As of March 11, 2024, Göğüş is set to leverage his expertise to amplify Bitexen's impact both domestically and internationally.
Anabel Díaz
Vice President, RGM EMEA Mobility of Uber
Anabel Díaz
Vice President, RGM EMEA Mobility of Uber
Anabel Díaz (Spain, 1975) joined Uber in May 2019, to lead the Central Operations team across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). She currently holds the role of Uber Vice President, RGM EMEA Mobility, overseeing Uber’s mobility businesses across 40 markets.
Anabel holds a Master in Computer Engineering from University of Murcia, and an Executive MBA from Insead. She has more than two decades of experience in operations, logistics and commercial management in large global organizations, including General Electric and SABIC.
In addition to operational excellence, innovation and business profitability, Anabel has always prioritized building and developing diverse and talented teams. She is a strong supporter of diversity, equity and inclusion, and she has promoted several initiatives at Uber to build a better place to work. She is the executive sponsor of the “Women@Uber” employee group, and gets involved in several other initiatives, namely to increase women driver representation on the Uber platform.
Anabel is also one of the main drivers of Uber's sustainability strategy - one of Anabel’s current priorities is to accelerate the journey to electric vehicles, cementing Uber’s position as a leader in sustainable mobility.
Anabel is a member of several boards of directors, and actively participates in promoting entrepreneurship initiatives. She has been widely recognized as an influential personality for her contributions to the industry and society - she was included in the TOP100 Women in Spain in 2022, has been part of Forbes list of the 100 Most Influential Women in Spain since 2022, and has been recognized by Merca2 as one of the Top 20 most influential business people in Spain in 2023.
Barış Hocaoğlu
General Manager of İstanbul Portföy Yönetimi A.Ş
Barış Hocaoğlu
General Manager of İstanbul Portföy Yönetimi A.Ş
Barış Hocaoğlu, who started his professional career at Halk Bank in 1995, later worked at Ottoman Bank. Between 2000 and 2009, he held various positions at Global Menkul Değerler, and he was appointed as the General Manager of lobal Portföy Yönetimi A.Ş. in 2009. Following the transfer of the majority interest of the company from 2012, he became the General Manager of AZ Global Portfolio, which is a partnership between Azimut-Global and stayed on duty until 2015. As of the beginning of 2015, after the company strategically withdrew from the partnership, Barış Hocaoğlu established Actus Portföy Yönetimi A.Ş. under Global Yatırım Holding as well, and following the merger of the said company with İstanbul Portföy Yönetimi A.Ş., he continues to serve as the General Manager in the new entity. He also serves as an Investment Committee Member in venture capital funds established by İstanbul Portföy Yönetimi A.Ş.
Barış Hocaoğlu graduated from Ankara University, Department of International Relations, Faculty of Political Sciences, and he has particularly specialized in portfolio management strategies and product design.
Begüm Doğan Faralyalı
Chairwoman of Doğan Holding
Begüm Doğan Faralyalı
Chairwoman of Doğan Holding
Begüm Doğan Faralyalı received her bachelor’s degree in economics and philosophy from London School of Economics (UK) and earned her MBA degree from Stanford University (USA).
She started her professional career as a consultant at Arthur Andersen NY office and moved to London Office of Monitor Group, where she worked as a consultant for restructuring European media and technology companies.
From 2004, she hold different positions at Doğan Media Group. Starting from 2007, she led the start- up process of Kanal D Romania, a national entertainment channel in Romanian which later became one of the top three channels in Romania. She became the CEO of Star TV in 2009 and became the president of Doğan TV Holding that contained two national entertainment channels, a news channel, radios, and a production company.
Begüm Doğan Faralyalı became the chairwoman of Doğan Holding in January 2012, which is a publicly traded company with a group of companies in electricity generation, petroleum products retail, industry & trade, automotive trade & marketing, finance & investment, internet & entertainment and real estate investment. Faralyalı also the president of Doğan Yayınları, Sesa Production, Sesa Packaging and Karel.
She is on the advisory board of Graduate School of Business at Stanford University. She is the founder and active spokesperson of the “Common Values Movement” in Turkey and a voluntary ambassador for a “Values Driven Society”. She is also a board member of the trustees of World Wild Fund (WWF); the dream partner of Young Guru Academy (YGA), a non-profit organization working with young social entrepreneurs, and a member of the advisory board of UNDP İstanbul International Centre for Private Sector in Development.
Bulut Arukel
Co-Founder of Figopara
Bulut Arukel
Co-Founder of Figopara
A recognized pioneer in the world of financial technology (fintech), Bulut Arukel has played a pivotal role in the sector's evolution, particularly within Turkey. His career embodies a journey of strategic leadership, most notably exemplified by his tenure as Co-Founder and Deputy General Manager responsible for Strategy at Figopara. During this time, he spearheaded global expansion efforts while solidifying partnerships with banks, financial institutions, and tech providers, significantly broadening Figopara's market presence. Arukel was also instrumental in driving Figopara's mission to make financial services more accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Arukel's expertise extends beyond a single venture. His significant contribution to Foriba's success story, culminating in its acquisition by Sovos, underscores his proficiency in navigating the complexities of global markets. This strategic maneuver not only expanded Foriba's reach but also positioned it as a leader in regulatory technology (reg-tech), further enhancing its role in transforming business transactions.
Through his membership in TÜSİAD and active role in the Women in Technology Association, Arukel demonstrates his commitment to broader societal impacts beyond financial success, supporting gender equality in the tech sector. In addition to being a successful entrepreneur and corporate leader, Arukel contributes to the Turkish startup ecosystem as an angel investor and mentor. He supports the growth and development of startups with billion-dollar potential by investing in them and sharing his experience.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, details of his personal life, such as his fatherhood to his son Aksel, highlight his multifaceted personality, showcasing his different roles as a leader, mentor, and father.
Burak Elgin
CEO and Board Member at Zip Türkiye
Burak Elgin
CEO and Board Member at Zip Türkiye
Burak Elgin is a FinTech leader with 18+ years of experience in financial and operational business strategy and execution. He is currently the CEO and Board Member at Zip Türkiye, a digital consumer lending platform that offers fast, secure, and convenient solutions for merchants and consumers. He is also a Board Member at United Payment, a leading payment service provider in Turkey
As a results-driven, intuitive, and compassionate leader, Burak Elgin has a track record of adding value and exceeding expectations through creative idea generation, collaborative problem solving, and disciplined decision making. He has extensive experience in P&L management, strategic planning, change management, business development, investment decisioning, marketing analytics, and re-engineering existing business models for growth. He is passionate about building and leading high-performing global teams that work together to solve complex problems, mitigate risk, and drive results. He is also skilled in analytical, customer relationship management, and computer information systems. His mission is to leverage his expertise and experience to create innovative and inclusive FinTech solutions that benefit the society and the economy.
Prof. Dr. A. M. Celâl Şengör
Academician, Scientist, Geologist and Writer
Daniel Doll Steinberg
Entrepreneur-Investor
Daniel Doll Steinberg
Entrepreneur-Investor
Daniel started his career in 1991 in the global derivatives technology industry, the first true disruption that technology brought to the financial industry, creating the world’s largest global asset class. He led change management of the US operations of a major global bank in New York between 1995 and 1997. After which he founded a company which created one of the first global standards for Digital Rights Management (DRM), securing and delivering activation keys and content direct to resellers & customers, which helped transform the software and computer gaming industries.
He was appointed by the European Commission an expert advisor specializing in education, disruption, and Future of Work, and to the UK Government where he co-wrote the 2012 Innovation Report. In 2017 he founded the Atari Token Project to build a metaverse-based new economy platform with Atari, an Ethereum founder, and several gaming legends. He is now a founding partner at ‘active innovation’ venture capital fund EdenBase, and a cofounder at TransformBase, a forum for the responsible investment in and business adoption of AI and frontier technologies.
His book “Unsupervised”, published September 2023 by Wiley, is a Bloomberg Book of the Year that People in Power found Essential and explains how new technologies are impacting our lives and society, how we all need to seize the opportunity and what could happen if they are left unchecked.
Derya Matraş
President - UK, Northern Europe, Middle East & Africa of Meta
Derya Matraş
President - UK, Northern Europe, Middle East & Africa of Meta
Derya Matras is currently the Vice President for the UK, Northern Europe, Middle East & Africa at Meta. She oversees the company's operations in more than 80 countries. Based in London, Derya is driving businesses of all sizes to accelerate their digital transformation strategies and she is responsible for leading the Meta’s UK office sites. Derya joined Meta in 2015 and her successful track record on growing Meta's business in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey led to her assuming additional responsibilities for overseeing the UK and Northern Europe regions. Prior to joining Meta, Derya held leadership roles in media, retail and management consulting, primarily at McKinsey & Company. Her achievements have garnered recognition from esteemed global media titles, such as Forbes and Fortune. Forbes listed her among the Top 30 Most Influential CEOs and Top 5 Women Leaders in Tech in the Middle East, while Fortune featured her in the '40 under 40' list. She also serves as the California State Chairwoman for the US-Turkey Business Council's tech sector and is a member of the YPO London Mayfair Chapter. Derya holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a BsC in Electronics Engineering from Bogazici University. She is a passionate advocate of DE&I, women’s empowerment and serves as the face and spokesperson of Meta's initiatives. She is married and has two young children.
Ebru Dildar Edin
High Advisory Council Chair of BCSD Türkiye Member of the Board of Directors, Fibabanka
Ebru Dildar Edin
High Advisory Council Chair of BCSD Türkiye Member of the Board of Directors, Fibabanka
Ebru Dildar Edin graduated from Boğaziçi University Department of Civil Engineering and started her career in 1993. She joined the Corporate Banking Department at Garanti BBVA in 1997. In 1999, she took part in the establishment of the Project Finance Department. After leading the department for 6 years as Senior Vice President, Ms. Edin became Project and Acquisition Finance Coordinator in 2006 and was appointed as Assistant General Manager for Corporate and Investment Banking on November 25, 2009. She was member of the Sustainability Committee since 2010, and also took responsibility of the coordination of the Sustainability Team, which was established in 2012 to implement the decisions of the aforementioned Sustainability Committee.
Furthermore, Ms. Edin served as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Garanti BBVA Securities and Member of the Board of Directors at Garanti BBVA Leasing and Garanti BBVA S.A. (Romania). With 29 years of experience in banking and business administration, Ms. Edin’s areas of responsibility are Corporate Banking, Global Markets, Global Markets Business Solutions, Cash Management, Financial Institutions, Investment Banking and Finance, and Corporate and Investment Banking Strategy, Analysis and Coordination, and Sustainable Finance.
Ms. Edin, who is a member of the Board of Directors of Fibabanka as of 2023, is currently also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Business Council for Sustainable Development Türkiye.
In addition to that she continues her duties on the Board of Directors of the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) and the 30 Percent Club. She is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Istanbul High School and Boğaziçi University.
Emrah Lafçı
Economist
Emrah Lafçı
Economist
I graduated from Ankara University Faculty of Political Sciences (Mekteb-i Mülkiye) in 2007. The year I graduated, I started working as an internal auditor at Garanti Bank. In this position for 6 years, I took part in nearly 100 branch and head office unit audits in every region of Turkey. After working in the marketing department of the same bank for 2 years, I worked in the training department of the same bank for 2 years. During my time as a trainer, I gave nearly 150 trainings on nearly 10 different topics (Basic Banking, Derivative Products, Investment Products, Branch Balance Sheet and Profitability, etc.). Afterwards, I worked at Garantibank International Amsterdam for 1 year.
I currently provide education and financial consultancy services. I take part in company events and conferences as a speaker on economics and finance. I am a commentator on television channels. My articles are published in Dünya Gazetesi every week.
Masters ve Certificates;
Masters
• MBA/Bahçeşehir Üniversitesi
• University of Amsterdam (MSc in International Finance)
Certificates
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
• CIA (Ceritified Internal Auditor)
• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Passed L1
• Capital Markets Licences;
o Capital Market Activities Level 3 License
o Derivative Instruments
o Credit Rating
o Corporate Governance Rating
Emre Karter
CEO & Board Member of Citi Türkiye
Emre Karter
CEO & Board Member of Citi Türkiye
Emre Karter is the CEO and Board Member of Citi Türkiye since 2020.
Prior to his current role, he was the Treasury and Trade Solutions Cluster Head for Middle East, North Africa, based in Dubai, UAE.
Emre Karter’s other previous experience include; managing the Transaction Services business for Russia, CIS, Central and Eastern Europe, Türkiye; and several Sales & Coverage roles, where he led origination and execution activities Citi's Multinational, Financial Institutions client segments, based in Türkiye.
Emre joined Citi in Türkiye in 1996 and held various positions in Corporate Bank as a Banker, followed by an assignment in Brussels coordinating the multinational franchise across Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa.
Before joining Citi, Emre Karter worked at Coca-Cola in Türkiye and Prudential Securities in the United States.
Mr Karter holds a B.Sc. in Management from Bilkent University and a M.Sc. in International Business and Finance from New Hampshire College. He is a Board Member for Citi Islamic Investment Bank E.C in Bahrain - (CIIB) and Citibank NV Netherlands. Emre Karter is a Board Member of Banks Association of Turkiye and Amcham Turkiye. Mr Karter is a Member of the Executive Board of the Türkiye- US Business Council (TAIK).
Emre Kenci
CEO at Papara
Emre Kenci
CEO at Papara
Emre Kenci, a tech leader with a BA degree in Computer Engineering from Bilkent University, has embarked on a journey through pivotal roles in prominent tech companies. He worked as a Senior Engineer at Microsoft. Became partner and CTO of Turkey's foremost cryptocurrency exchanges, BtcTurk and BTCTrader. Subsequently, he took on the responsibilities of a board member and CTO at Papara, Turkey's largest fintech. In April 2022, Emre Kenci ascended to the position of CEO at Papara, further underscoring his commitment to driving technological advancement and innovation. Through a product and technology-oriented growth approach, Emre Kenci leads Papara towards new horizons.
Engin Aksoy
CEO of Vodafone Turkey
Engin Aksoy
CEO of Vodafone Turkey
Engin Aksoy joined Vodafone Turkey in 2008. Having held multiple senior executive positions, he became an Executive Committee member in 2012 and worked as Vodafone Business Unit Director and Consumer Business Unit Director, respectively. He was appointed CEO of Vodafone Turkey on February, 2021.
Prior to joining Vodafone Turkey, Mr. Aksoy was an Executive Committee member for Nike Turkey from 2000 to 2006. He held the role of Sales Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa in Nike B.V. EMEA from 2006 to 2008. He began his career in Coca-Cola in 1994 and then worked for Michelin as Regional Sales Manager from 1997 to 2000.
In addition to his role in Vodafone Turkey, Mr. Aksoy is currently the Chairman of YASED (International Investors Association) and M-TOD (Mobile Telecom Operators Association), and a member of TUSIAD (Turkish Industry and Business Association).
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in economics from Istanbul University as well as a marketing degree from Oxford Business College and an Exponential Growth degree from Singularity University.
Erdoğan Çoban
Şölen’s Chief Executive Office
Erdoğan Çoban
Şölen’s Chief Executive Office
Erdoğan Çoban received his bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Yeditepe University and completed a Project Management Program in the USA. Throughout his educational life, Çoban gained experience in a variety of positions, mainly in the supply chain, at Şölen, a family-owned company. After completing his education, he started his full-time career as Project and Investment Manager at Şölen in 2014. In 2016, he became Quality and R&D Director. After two years, he added the Iraq Region sales processes and then all export processes to his portfolio, becoming the International Business Unit & R&D & Quality General Manager in 2020. In July 2022, he took over the position of Şölen’s Chief Executive Officer. Erdoğan Çoban, who is married and has two children, is also a member of the Board of Directors of Şölen.
Erol Bilecik
Chairman, INDEX GRUP
Erol Bilecik
Chairman, INDEX GRUP
Erol Bilecik was born in 1962 in Antakya. He completed his primary, secondary and high school education in his hometown. He graduated from Istanbul Technical University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering in 1987 as one of the first computer engineers in Turkey. In 1989, Erol Bilecik founded İndeks Bilgisayar A.Ş. and became the CEO of the company. With a mission to be a technology product supply centre for computer companies throughout Turkey, İndeks Bilgisayar A.Ş. has been offering the products of more than 200 global brands to individual and business consumers in Turkey through more than 8,000 business partner channels. Erol Bilecik served as the president of TÜBİSAD (Informatics Industry Association of Turkey), one of the oldest non-governmental institutions in Turkish computer industry between 2002 and 2005, and ITU Alumni Council and ITU Alumni Association between 2010 and 2014. He has completed his assignment as a President of TÜSİAD (Turkish Industry and Business Association) which he has carried on since Jan 12 2017, with the General Assembly dated 20.02.2019. He has been a board member at Fenerbahçe Sports Club since June 5th 2018. As of 4th September 2020 he has been appointed to a Vice President and continues his responsibilities at Fenerbahçe Sports Club. The Grand National Assembly of Turkey honoured Erol Bilecik with the Meritorious Service Medal in 15 July 2010, for his support and contribution to the field of education. Mr. Bilecik is married and has two children.
Prof. Dr. Esra Hatipoğlu
President of Bahçeşehir University
Prof. Dr. Esra Hatipoğlu
President of Bahçeşehir University
Prof. Dr. Esra Hatipoğlu graduated from Kadıköy Anatolian High School, and later obtained her Bachelor's degree in Political Science and International Relations from Marmara University Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, and a Master's degree in Economics from the Faculty of Economics at Anadolu University.
She completed her Master's degree in European Studies at the Institute of European Union, Marmara University, specialized in Russia and Post-Soviet Studies at the London School of Economics (LSE), and earned her Ph.D. in European Studies at the Institute of European Union, Marmara University.
Prof. Dr. Hatipoğlu started working as a Research Assistant at the Institute of European Union at Marmara University in 1992 and held various academic positions in the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences (later the Faculty of Political Sciences), specifically in the Public Administration and International Relations departments, until 2016.
Between 2002-2005, Prof. Dr. Hatipoğlu served as the Deputy Director of the Middle East Institute at Marmara University, and from 2014-2015, she held the position of founding chair of the Department of International Economics within the International Relations Department at the Faculty of Political Sciences at Marmara University.
In 2007, Prof. Dr. Hatipoğlu became an Associate Professor in International Relations, and in 2013, she was promoted to the rank of full Professor. Between 2016 and 2019, she served as the Rector of Nişantaşı University. From 2021 to 2023, she held the position of Advisor to the Rector on International Relations at Bahçeşehir University. As of September 2023, she has been appointed as the Rector of Bahçeşehir University.
Prof. Dr. Hatipoğlu has conducted short-term election observation missions in Georgia, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine on behalf of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye. She has also been involved as a researcher and project coordinator in various national and international projects.
The master's course titled "EU Enlargement and Eurasia (C01/058)" that Hatipoğlu taught at the Institute of European Union at Marmara University was supported by the European Commission through the Jean Monnet Permanent Course program between 2001-2005.
Prof. Dr. Esra Hatipoğlu has benefited from scholarship programs such as the Jean Monnet Scholarship, UN Nippon Foundation Fellowship, and European University Institute Research Grant. She has received awards including the Marmara University Excellence and Achievement Awards, the Strategic Visionary Scientist Award from the Turkish Asian Strategic Research Center, and the Contribution to Science and Education Medal (Bulgaria).
Prof. Dr. Hatipoğlu has worked as an international researcher at various institutions, including the European University Institute in Florence, the London School of Economics (LSE), and Central European University in Budapest. She has supervised numerous master's and doctoral theses and currently serves on the editorial, advisory, and peer review boards of many national and international journals.
Prof. Dr. Hatipoğlu is a member of the governing or advisory boards of professional organizations such as the International Relations Council Association (UİK), where she also served as vice president from 2018 to 2020, European Women Rectors Association (EWORA), and Women in International Security.
Prof. Dr. Hatipoğlu has numerous national and international publications on subjects such as the Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation, the Black Sea Region, South Caucasus, Central Asia, the Balkans, and the European Union's relations with Turkey.
In the past eight years, Prof. Dr. Hatipoğlu has primarily focused her academic research on topics such as Turkish higher education, the changing and evolving structure of education in Türkiye and globally, and the impact of artificial intelligence on education.
F. Nusret Dur
CEO, Pasifik Holding
F. Nusret Dur
CEO, Pasifik Holding
F. Nusret Dur graduated from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Gazi University and completed his master's degree in the same department. He then completed Ziraat Bank's Banking School and started his career at Ziraat Bank. Over the course of 18 years, he served in various positions within the bank, including senior management. In 2018, he joined Pasifik Group. Playing an active role in the group's growth strategy, F. Nusret Dur has been serving as the CEO of Pasifik Group since 2023. In addition to his role as CEO, he continues to hold positions as chairman, vice chairman, and board member in companies within the Pasifik Group.
Fulya Yalezan
Founder Director of the Test Education Centre
Fulya Yalezan
Founder Director of the Test Education Centre
Fulya Yalezan is the only Turkish Consultant and also the only Turkish Education Guardian accredited by the Boarding Schools Association. Additionally, she stands out as the only Turkish Consultant authorized to provide official Guardianship and Consultancy services to foreign students in the United Kingdom, approved by AEGIS. Holding an Bachelors Diploma honours in Political Science and International Relations, she also completed an LLM in International Law. Her educational career has been enriched with a background in international English language exams, Teaching, and Examining, and a teaching diploma completed at Cambridge University. Yalezan has just completed her PhD in education management.
Moreover, Yalezan, with numerous significant international accreditations, has demonstrated her leadership and entrepreneurship abilities as the Founder Director of the Oxford Language Centre and the Founder Director of the Test Education Centre serving almost 3 decades in international education. Yalezan stands out as a consultant who prepares her students for the future by actively participating in numerous educational events and conferences and to continuously offer her students the best opportunities by improving her own international portfolio.
Galip Karagöz
General Manager and Board Member of Hayat Finans Katılım Bankası
Galip Karagöz
General Manager and Board Member of Hayat Finans Katılım Bankası
Galip Karagöz, who graduated with honors from the Computer Engineering department of Boğaziçi University in 1991, took on the role of co-founder responsible for technology operations at Bima-Escort Software, a technology start-up company established in the same year. Between 1999 and 2005, he managed a portfolio consisting of Investment Banking, Consumer Finance, Chamber of Commerce and Trade Registry Applications at Globis, a technology company owned by EGS Bank. Between 2005 and 2011, he took an active role as Application Development Director at Ziraat Technology, a subsidiary of Ziraat Finance Group, one of Turkey's most established public banks, and took on the leadership role in the first and largest agile transformation study in the finance sector in 2009. From 2012 to 2016, he held senior positions as Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Central Registry Agency. During the same years, he also served as the CIO and Deputy General Manager of Takasbank. Between 2016 and 2017, he was the Group Director of IT at the e-commerce platform Hepsiburada. From 2017 to 2018, he served as the CEO of Ezgetech Technology, a London-based technology consultancy firm. Between 2018 and 2019, he worked as a BT Consultant and Solution Architect at Santander Corporate & Investment Banking's London office, which operates in more than 20 countries worldwide. He worked as an IT Consultancy and Solution Architect at Banking's London office, and as a Board Member and IT Consultant at Osmanlı Yatırım Menkul Değerler in September 2019.
Karagöz, who has been serving as the General Manager and Board Member of Hayat Finans Katılım Bankası since December 12 2023, speaks English fluently. He is married and has two children.
Gökhan Sığın
Chairman of BSH Ev Aletleri
Gökhan Sığın
Chairman of BSH Ev Aletleri
Gökhan Sığın, a graduate of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Boğaziçi University, obtained his Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Bristol in 1998. With over 25 years of experience at BSH, primarily in planning, marketing, and sales operations, Sığın has held significant roles within the organization. He served as the CEO of BSH Türkiye from 2018 to 2023. Recently, as of May 1, 2023, Sığın has been appointed as the CEO of the Region Emerging Markets (REM). BSH operates in this geography, covering a population of 4.6 billion through 14 subsidiaries and 9 factories in Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, the Asia Pacific clusters. Serving as the Chairman of BSH Ev Aletleri and CEO of BSH Region Emerging Markets, Sığın also continues to hold the position of the Board President of the White Goods Manufacturers Association of Türkiye (TÜRKBESD).
Hakan Ateş
CEO of DenizBank Financial Services Group
Hakan Ateş
CEO of DenizBank Financial Services Group
Born in 1959, Mr. ATEŞ graduated from Middle East Technical University, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Department of Business Administration after completing his studies at TED Ankara College. He started his banking career in 1981 as an Internal Auditor at İşbank. After serving at various Interbank units from 1986 to 1993, he worked as a Branch Manager at Elmadağ, Şişli, Bakırköy, İzmir and Central Branches. He established Interbank’s Cash Management System and was promoted in 1993 to Executive Vice President in charge of Central Operations. Mr. ATEŞ worked as Executive Vice President in charge of Financial Affairs and Operations at Bank Ekspres between the years of 1994 and 1996 and led the bank’s restructuring project under the consultation of Bank of America. He established Garanti Bank Moscow in Russia and worked as CEO for one year starting from June 1996. He has continued his duties as the President & CEO at DenizBank, where he started in June 1997 as the Founder President.
During his management tenure, DenizBank shares were offered to public in October 2004 where 5.5 times oversubscription was recorded. His management also ran the process of selling Zorlu Holding-owned DenizBank shares to Dexia S.A. in May 2006 for 3.250 Billion Dollars with 4,7 times its book value which is a record in Turkey, the sales process of 99.85% of DenizBank shares owned by Dexia Group to Sberbank 6 years later in June 2012 for 3.6 Billion Dollars with 1.33 times its book value as well as the sales process of 99,85% of DenizBank shares owned by Sberbank to Emirates NBD for 15,48 Billion TL and 1.0 multiplier despite challenging market conditions. In addition, the transfer of Deniz Emeklilik for 256 Million Euros with 10 times its book value with a 15-year sales agreement in 2011 and taking over the retail Banking of Citi Turkey with about 1500 employees in 2013 also took place under the management of Mr. ATEŞ.
Serving as the Chairman of the Board of Directors at DenizBank subsidiaries Deniz Yatırım Menkul Kıymetler A.Ş., Intertech A.Ş. and DenizBank AG Vienna, Hakan ATEŞ also assumes the duty of Member of Board of Directors at Emirates NBD Egypt as of September, 2020. Granted the “Those who Add Value to Turkey” Award presented by Bahçeşehir University in 2015, ATEŞ is with two children and speaks fluent English.
Halit Gülbakanoğlu
CEO of NESİNE.COM
Halit Gülbakanoğlu
CEO of NESİNE.COM
Halit Gulbakanoglu was born in 1972 in Istanbul. He graduated from Department of Environmental Engineering at Istanbul University, aligning with his sensitivity towards environmental issues and his goals for the future.
After graduating, Gulbakanoglu embarked on his career in the digital world and held various positions at leading brands in Turkey such as E-kolay, fanatik.com.tr, and Hepsiburada. Since 2008, Gulbakanoglu has been the CEO of Nesine.com, the leading brand in the betting industry. Gulbakanoglu has played a significant role in making Nesine.com the strongest brand in the sector and has also provided leadership for many innovations the brand introduced in the industry.
Halit Gulbakanoglu's success is not only attributed to his professional talents but also to his passion for sports and healthy living. Gulbakanoglu enjoys watching all kinds of sports competitions and particularly admires the enchanting world of basketball.However, he not only enjoys watching sports but also prioritizes his own health by regularly engaging activities such as fitness, walking, swimming, and basketball.
Hasan Arat
BJK President and Vice President of Turkish National Olympic Committee
Hasan Arat
BJK President and Vice President of Turkish National Olympic Committee
Hasan Arat was born in Adana in 1959 and graduated from Istanbul University School of Business.
Hasan Arat is vice chairman of the Board of Directors of Beymen Group; Turkey’s leading fashion retailer. He is board member of Fiba Group. The Group’s investments in the financial sector are in banking, leasing, factoring, insurance, NPL management and private equity fund and its nonfinancial investments are in aviation, retail, real estate, energy, ship building and port management.
He is the chairman of Novo Invest; and the founder and partner of Dome Capital.
Hasan Arat is the Member of the Board of Trustees at Ozyegin University.
Starting at 2011, he was the chairman of Istanbul 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bid Committee and he is currently vice president of TNOC - Turkish National Olympic Committee, and executive board member of EOC – European Olympic Committee, member of IOC Marketing Commission - International Olympic Committee, executive board member of World Athletics and EOC 2023 European Games Krakow and the Malopolska region of Poland Coordination Commission Chairman.
Hasan Arat was selected as the President of Besiktas Gymnastics Club in December 2023. His sports background also includes former vice president of BJK, former 2nd president of TBF - Turkish Basketball Federation and a five-year professional basketball career at BJK - Besiktas Gymnastic Club
He was the former president and a current member of the executive council and board of directors of IAF - International Apparel Federation, and was the president and still a member of TGSD – Turkish Clothing Manufacturing Association. He was the vice president of Tourism Assembly of TOBB - The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey.
He is founder of three educational foundations; The Educational Volunteers Foundation of Turkey (TEGV), Defne Muhtar Kent Education Foundation, Basketball Solidarity and Education Foundation (BIDEV).
Hayrettin Çaycı
Chairman of Sarkuysan A.Ş.
Hayrettin Çaycı
Chairman of Sarkuysan A.Ş.
Born in 1943 in Kilis, Mr.ÇAYCI, M.Sc. Metallurgical Engineer, completed his primary and secondary education in his hometown. He graduated from Istanbul Technical University in 1967. Between 1967 and 1973 he worked as Technical Chief at Rabak Elektrolitik Bakır Mamulleri A.Ş. In 1974 he joined Sarkuysan Elektrolitik Bakır Sanayii ve Ticaret A.Ş. where he held executive positions and was assigned as the CEO of the company in 1985. He was appointed as a member of the Board in Sarkuysan A.Ş. in 1995, and in 2011, besides his CEO position, he became the Chairman of the Board and he continues as Chairman of Sarkuysan A.Ş. since 2015.
He is also Chairman of the Board of subsidiaries and the affiliated companies of Sarkuysan such as;
SARMAKİNA A.Ş,
SARMAKINA-BULGARIA EAD,
DEMİSAŞ A.Ş,
SARDA A.Ş.,
BEKTAŞ A.Ş.,
SARK WIRE,
SARK-BULGARIA;
BEMKA GmBH,.
He is also an active member of various business associations which are TURK TRADE (as chairman of the board since 2016); KOSANO(Kocaeli Chamber of Industry), DEIK (Turkey-USA business council),etc..
Mr. Hayrettin ÇAYCI is married with two children. He speaks English and German.
İhsan Gökşin Durusoy
CEO of Akkök Holdings
İhsan Gökşin Durusoy
CEO of Akkök Holdings
Born in Denizli in 1964, İhsan Gökşin Durusoy graduated with a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Boğaziçi University in 1987. He started his career as a Production Engineer at Arçelik. Between 1988 and 1989, he worked as the Financial Affairs and IT Manager at İzmir Demir Çelik Inc. In 1989, Durusoy joined the Akkök Group, starting as the Budget Planning Chief at Ak-Al Textile Industry Inc.
In the same company, Durusoy successively took on the roles of Budget Planning Manager and Strategic Planning Director. In 2007, he joined Akiş REIT, established with the aim of creating unique and large-scale real estate projects, first serving as the Deputy General Manager and then as the General Manager and Board Member from 2009. As of January 2023, Mr. Durusoy is serving as the CEO and Board Member of Akkök Holding. Additionally, he holds the position of Vice Chairman at Aksa Acrylic, Akkim, and Akiş REIT, and serves on the boards of various Akkök Group companies.
İpek Ilıcak Kayaalp
Rönesans Holding / Chair of the Board of Directors
İpek Ilıcak Kayaalp
Rönesans Holding / Chair of the Board of Directors
İpek Ilıcak Kayaalp graduated from the Economics Department of the Middle East Technical University in 2000. She worked in the field of asset management and finance at various international companies until 2006. In 2006, Kayaalp began her role as a member of the Executive Board of Rönesans Holding and as the Head of Treasury Group for Rönesans Holding Group Companies. As of 2014, she is the Chair of the Board of Directors of Rönesans Holding. İpek Ilıcak Kayaalp was ranked first in the “40 Under 40” list in 2017, and in 2018, she was among the World Economic Forum Young Global Leaders. In the same year, Kayaalp was selected as the “Social Responsibility Leader” in the “Women To Watch”-Women Making a Difference list. In addition to being a member of the Board of Trustees and the Board Member of “Rönesans Education Foundation”, she is also the member of Business Advisory Board at UNICEF Turkiye and the founder of the “Bir Adım Var” Foundation.
Janet Henry
HSBC Global Chief Economist
Janet Henry
HSBC Global Chief Economist
Janet Henry was appointed as HSBC’s Global Chief Economist in August 2015 and is responsible for all HSBC’s economic forecasts and thematic economic research output globally. She was previously HSBC’s Chief European Economist. Much of her research has focused on globalisation – including the global determinants of local inflation – and the political and economic challenges of the post global financial crisis era, notably labour market disruption and the implications of income and wealth inequality within major advanced economies. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, her work has focused on the labour market implications, evolving inflation dynamics and policy challenges of the unprecedented recession and recovery.
Janet is a Governor of the UK’s National Institute of Economic and Social Research, a member of the World Economic Forum’s Chief Economists Community and a Non-Executive Director of HSBC Bank UK plc. She has given evidence to financial committees of the EU Parliament on China and UK House of Lords on Europe. Janet joined HSBC in 1996 in Hong Kong where she worked as an Asian economist in the run-up to, and aftermath of, the Asian crisis.
Kaan Sekban
Stand-Up Comedy Artist
Kaan Sekban
Stand-Up Comedy Artist
He holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and International Relations from Yıldız Technical University, and a Master's degree in Strategic Marketing and Brand Management from Bahçeşehir University. After working in various roles at a private bank for 10 years, he resigned and turned his focus towards the performing arts field, following participation in acting and musical workshops both domestically and internationally.
After taking on roles in the musical 'Istanbulname' in Turkey and the opera 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' in Italy, he gained recognition for his homemade live talk show named 'Kaan Sekban Drools' which he broadcasts from his own home. Sekban is known for his satirical approach to white-collar life and has garnered significant attention in the business world through his sketches lampooning corporate life, titled 'White Collar bi Polar’.
Continuing with his one-man shows on various stages since May 2017, he achieved rapid success with his autobiographical humorous book 'Congrats You're Fired' published in June, swiftly becoming a bestseller. Despite its comedic autobiographical content, the book was recognized as the best business book of the year in the management, leadership, and HR category by Platin magazine. In 2023, his book titled 'after the Laughter' was published, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes of his five years in the show business in an unfiltered manner.
In recognition of his solo performance, he was awarded the 'Best Stand-Up Comedy Artist of 2018' by public vote at the Biletix Ticket of the Year Awards.
In addition, in 2022, he became the first Turkish comedian who host a gala in English at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Shortly after the event, he started to perform stand-up sets multiple times in English in front of the American audience in New York and Los Angeles.
Levent Özbilgin
General Manager of Microsoft Turkey
Levent Özbilgin
General Manager of Microsoft Turkey
Levent Özbilgin is a global executive leader with 25 years of experience in the cutting-edge business and technology markets of over 40 countries worldwide.
Özbilgin started his career in the US-based software company Sotas Inc during 1997 as a product manager for the company’s revenue and fraud management Solutions. Özbilgin then moved to ECtel Ltd. during 2003 in charge of marketing towards Europe and Middle East markets for its telecommunications security solutions.
Özbilgin continued his career in Telenity as the Vice President responsible for R&D, operations and support where he managed a team of 100 people located across US, India and Turkey to serve Telenity’s global customer base in over 30 countries.
Özbilgin moved on as the Customer Operations Manager at Atos Turkey in 2009, followed by his appointment as the Country Manager of Alcatel-Lucent Azerbaijan (now Nokia) in Baku, in 2010.
Between 2012 and 2014, Özbilgin was the Regional Sales Manager for HP (now HP Enterprise) in charge of telecommunications product and services portfolio for Greece, Israel & Turkey.
In 2014 Özbilgin was appointed as the Key Account Manager at Ericsson Turkey in charge of Vodafone. Subsequently in 2017, he was promoted as the Vice President Sales responsible for the telecom and public sectors in Turkey. And in 2018, he moved to London where he continued working in Ericsson as Global Vice President of Sales responsible for Vodafone worldwide.
Özbilgin is the General Manager of Microsoft Turkey since October 2020.
Levent Özbilgin has a BSc. degree from Istanbul Technical University, Management Engineering; and MBA from The George Washington University, Washington DC, Major in Management Information Systems. He is married and has two children.
Prof. Max Gillman
Friedrich A. Hayek Professor of Economic History Department of Economics
Prof. Max Gillman
Friedrich A. Hayek Professor of Economic History Department of Economics
Max Gillman has served for a decade as Hayek Professor of Economic History at the University of Missouri – St. Louis. He also currently has part time positions in research at Corvinus University of Budapest and European Research University, Czech Republic. Previously he served for eight years as professor at Cardiff Business School, UK, and for the previous seven years as professor at Central European University (CEU) in Budapest. He also served as a visiting professor at CEU for many years, as well as being a long-time research associate at the economics centers of CERGE-EI, Prague, and CERS-EI, Budapest. He has served recently as a visiting professor/scholar/researcher at the Corvinus Institute for Advanced Studies, the Bank of Finland, had earlier visiting positions of a year or more at Loughborough University, UK, the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, and New York University, and also had short visits to the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, University of Minnesota, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, University of Chicago, International Monetary Fund, and Monash University, and others. Teaching monetary economics and macroeconomics, he has published forty-five research articles in Economics journals. This academic research focuses on inflation, interest rates, monetary policy, public finance, oil prices, economic growth, and development through human capital. Gillman also has published four Economics books on macroeconomics and inflation, along with editing the Collected Papers in Monetary Theory, by Robert E. Lucas, Jr., for Harvard University Press, and currently serves as Associate Editor for the academic journal Economic Modelling.
Mehmet Ali Akarca
General Manager of Koç Sistem
Mehmet Ali Akarca
General Manager of Koç Sistem
KoçSistem General Manager and KoçDigital Vice Chairman Board of Directors Mehmet Ali Akarca, served as the General Manager at Bookinturkey.com between 2001-2003, and continued his career as the General Manager of Koç.Net Telecommunication Technologies and Communication Services Inc. in 2004 - 2011. At his career path he became Deputy General Manager at Zer Central Services and Trade Inc. in 2011-2012. From 2012 to 2017, Akarca served at Türk Telekom Group as Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Corporate Customer Vice President and CEO, respectively. Akarca is still General Manager of KoçSistem since April 1, 2017.
Mehmet Ali Akarca has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nottingham School of Economics. He received post-graduate degree in marketing and tourism at the University of Surrey. Mehmet Ali Akarca is married and has two children.
Mehmet T. Nane
Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Pegasus Airline
Mehmet T. Nane
Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Pegasus Airline
Mehmet T. Nane started his career in 1988. After holding positions in various business units at the Türkiye Emlak Bankası, Demirbank and Demir Invest until 1997, respectively; he held roles including Vice President of the Strategic Planning and Project Development department, Director of the Retail Group and General Secretary of Sabancı Holding within the Sabancı Group, which he joined in 1997, until 2005. He served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Teknosa between 2000 and 2005, CEO of Teknosa between 2005 and 2013 and CEO of CarrefourSA between 2013 and 2016. Mehmet T. Nane, who transferred to Pegasus Airlines in March 2016 and served as CEO for 6 years, continued his duty as Vice-Chairperson of the Board & Managing Director of the company as between March 2022-March 2023. Mehmet T. Nane has been working as Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Pegasus Airlines as of 30 March 2023.
Mehmet T. Nane graduated from Boğaziçi University, department of International Relations, in Istanbul, in 1990. In 1993, Mehmet T. Nane received a full scholarship for his graduate degree from the department of International Banking and Finance at Heriot Watt University in Scotland. He also completed the Harvard Business School Executive Management Program in 2013.
Mehmet T. Nane has served as Chair of the Board of Governors and Chair Committee of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Founding Chairman of Asia Pacific Retailers Federation (FAPRA), Founding Chairman of the Turkish Federation of Shopping Centers and Retailers (TAMPF), Food Retailers Association (GPD) and Chain Stores Association (ZMD), Board Member of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) Retail Council, Chairman of the Board of the SEV Health and Education Foundation, and Chairman of the Association of the Harvard Business School Turkish Alumni Association. He currently holds the following positions in various Non-Governmental Organisations:, Member of the Chair Committee of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Chairman of the Board of the Turkish Private Aviation Enterprises Association (TÖSHİD), Vice President of Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) Civil Aviation Council, Vice President of Turkish Tourism Investors Association (TTYD), Member of the Board of Trustees and Board Member of the TOBB GS1 Turkey Foundation, Member of the Board of Trustees of the SEV Health and Education Foundation and Member of the Board of Trustees, Board Member of the Boğaziçi University Foundation.
Mehmet T. Nane is a Founding Member of the Yanındayız Association and Women in Technology Association (WTECH), and he joined the PWN Equality Ambassadors as a part of the Manifesto of Gender Equality Supporting CEOs by Professional Women Network (PWN) Istanbul.
Mehmet T. Nane is married with 2 children.
Mehmet Tütüncü
Vice Chair & CEO of Yıldız Holding
Mehmet Tütüncü
Vice Chair & CEO of Yıldız Holding
Mehmet Tütüncü received his master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and completed his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has attended several training courses in many different areas throughout his professional career. He took a training course in Business Management for 6 months in Italy on an IRI Scholarship. He has attended a training course in Strategic Marketing at Harvard Business School and IMD Switzerland. Also, he completed the Insead program in Singapore.
Mehmet Tütüncü started his career in 1981 as an engineer at Department for Construction of Ministry of National Education. Between 1983 and 1987 he worked at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and from 1987 to 1996, he held various positions in Best Rothmans Entegre Sigara ve Tütün Sanayi A.Ş, such as General Manager.
In 1996, Mehmet Tütüncü joined Ülker Gıda A.Ş. and served as a business coordinator until 1998. Following, he worked as General Manager and Vice President of the Ülker Group. In May 2005, he was appointed as Yıldız Holding A.Ş.’s Food Group President. In 2011 he was appointed as the Food-Ülker Group President and in 2014, he had additional responsibility as International Food-Ülker Group President.
In 2016, he was appointed as pladis Region CEO, Turkey, Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia. He continues to serve as Deputy to the pladis CEO (responsible for TR, ME, NA, CA, SA, LATAM) and Executive Corporate Officer (Information Systems & Business Transformation) with additional responsibilities he took in 2017. In 2018, he was appointed as Vice Chairand CEO of Yıldız Holding. Additionally, he serves as a Board Member and Chairman of the Board at several companies. He is also the Board Member of FoodDrinkEurope & President of the Liaison Committee of FoodDrinkEurope.
Prof. Dr. Metin Sitti
President of Koç University
Prof. Dr. Metin Sitti
President of Koç University
Prof. Dr. Metin Sitti, appointed as the new President of Koç University in 2023, worked as Director for the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems from 2014-2023 as the only Turkish fellow of the Max Planck Society in Germany.
Prof. Metin Sitti has opened up new horizons and achieved many scientific breakthroughs with his work on the improvement of human health at the very intersection of sciences, engineering and technology. His research encompasses a wide variety of subjects in small-scale robotics and intelligent systems, including wireless miniature medical robots, miniature robots and new materials inspired by nature, and physical intelligence.
Having completed his undergraduate studies at Boğaziçi University Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering in 1992, Sitti received his Master’s degree from the same department in 1994. He completed his doctoral research at the Tokyo University Department of Electrical Engineering in Japan in 1999. Between 1999- 2002, Sitti worked as a research scientist and lecturer at the University of California at Berkeley in the United States. Between 2002-2014, he was a tenured professor at the Robotics Institute and the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University in the United States. Between 2011-2012, he was a Visiting Professor at Harvard University, EPFL and Sorbonne University.
Prof. Metin Sitti was the recipient of the 2018 Koç University Rahmi M. Koç Medal of Science and worked as a part-time professor at Koç University School of Medicine and College of Engineering from 2018-2023.
He received the «Breakthrough of the Year» Award in Engineering and Technology at the Fallings Walls World Science Summit in Berlin in 2020.
Mine Taşkaya
Founder and CEO of GTECH
Mine Taşkaya
Founder and CEO of GTECH
I am the founder and the CEO of GTECH, a global and consulting company firm with the vision to be instrumental in bringing about positive impact the lives of people by leveraging technology. GTech offers value added services and solutions by merging its’ experiences in various sectors with the global technological developments. Since founding GTECH in 2000, I led a strategic vision of the firm, investing in innovation, advanced technology, and highly skilled talent, and reshaping the future its future toward mission-critical, intelligent solutions. Prior to founding GTECH, I formulated successful strategies and delivered tangible results at the likes of IBM, Koc Sistem and Coretech.
I received Computer Engineering BS Degree from Middle East Technical University and being a “Mentor” in METU (Middle East Technical University) Alumni Association I help young talents with my expertise in leadership and coaching. I was selected in the “50 Most Powerful Women in Business” list by Fortune Turkey for 2021 and in the “Female Founders 100” list by Fast Company Turkey for 2022.
Mithat Rende
Board Member of TSKB-Industrial Development Bank of Turkey
Mithat Rende
Board Member of TSKB-Industrial Development Bank of Turkey
Mithat Rende is the former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Turkey to the OECD. He also served as Chairman of the Executive Committee of the OECD. Prior to his appointment, Ambassador Rende held the position of Director General for Multilateral Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. While in Ankara he also assumed the positions of Turkey's Chief Climate Change Negotiator, Chairman of the Trade and Transit Group of the Energy Charter, the Turkish Point of Contact to the UN Panel on the Humanitarian Aid Convoy Incident and member of the Turkish Nuclear Energy Commission. Mr. Rende was appointed as Turkey’s Ambassador to Doha-Qatar between 2007-2009. Earlier in his career, he served at Turkey’s missions to NATO(Brussels) and the OSCE(Vienna) and at the Turkish Embassies in Damascus, Rome, Sofia and London Ambassador Rende is board member of TSKB-Industrial Development Bank of Turkey
Dr. Att. Murat Aksu
President of National Paralympic Committee of Türkiye
Dr. Att. Murat Aksu
President of National Paralympic Committee of Türkiye
Murat Aksu, the founding partner of Aksu Çalışkan Beygo Attorney Partnership ('ASC Law Office'), has amassed 30 years of experience in the legal profession. Leveraging his extensive legal expertise and years of management experience, particularly in the realms of business and sports, Murat Aksu offers consultancy services across various domains. In his role as the head of 'International Relations' and 'Business Development' at ASC Law Office, he not only guides clients in Economic Law, Sports Law, and Investment Law but also utilizes his profound knowledge of foreign capital to facilitate Turkish companies in connecting with foreign investors.
Murat Bilgiç
TSKB Chairman of the Board, CEO
Murat Bilgiç
TSKB Chairman of the Board, CEO
Born in Ankara in 1968, Mr. Murat Bilgiç graduated from METU - Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Department of International Relations and received his master’s degree in Money-Banking-Finance at the University of Birmingham. He completed the Management Program at Manchester Business School and the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. Mr. Murat Bilgiç started his career in 1990 as Assistant Inspector at the Board of Inspectors of Türkiye İş Bankası. After serving as Vice Manager, Unit Manager and Head of Corporate Loans Allocation Department, he was promoted to the position of Executive Vice President of Türkiye İş Bankası on March 25, 2016. As of 07.04.2022 Mr. Murat Bilgiç will serve as CEO and Member of the Board of Directors of TSKB.
Neşecan Çekici
President of the Board of GYODER
Neşecan Çekici
President of the Board of GYODER
She graduated from the Department of Economics of Marmara University, Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences. After completing her postgraduate education at the Department of Money / Banking, Istanbul University, she completed her academic carrier by taking a specialization course in business management at the Institute of Economic and Administrative Sciences, Faculty of Business Management at Istanbul University. She worked as a director for the leading holding companies of Turkey for seven years and carried out many different projects since her involvement in the real estate sector in 1995. Neşecan ÇEKİCİ is the founder and manager partner of Epos Property Consultany and Valuation Plc. and she gives service to various companies in Turkey and abroad in the fields of Valuation, Property Development and Investment. ÇEKİCİ , is the founder member of the ICOREA (Istanbul Chamber of Real Estate Agents) and has acted as the counselor for the said chamber and as the 2nd Chairman of Turkey Division of the International Association of Real Estate Agents (FIABCI). ÇEKİCİ plays active role in the occupational NGO’s and additionally she is a sector lecturer at undergraduate and post graduate programmes of several universities She also takes role in the educational services organized by KAGIDER (Women Entrepreneurs Association) to promote women’s entrepreneurship and to strengthen women’s position in economic and social life. She is also a member of occupational associations ULI and AI. ÇEKİCİ has numerous research and papers about real estate sector, an essay about “Long term strategic planning” and a masters thesis on “Securitisation”. She holds the License of Valuation Expert granted by the Capital Market Board (CMB). Additionally she has a certificate granted by American Appraisal Institute upon her completion of their educational modules on real estate appraisal expertise. In January 2009, taken into consideration the occupational and academic studies, her ethical and sophisticated views and her ability to represent the real estate sector in the best way, Neşecan ÇEKİCİ was deemed worhty of “Real Estate Consultant of the Year” one of the “Traditional Service Awards” of Ekonometri, monthly magazine about Business World and Economics. Neşecan ÇEKİCİ was the Chairman of LideBİR (The Association of Licenced Appraisal Companies) between 2011- 2013. Neşecan ÇEKİCİ is currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors of GYODER. Neşecan ÇEKİCİ is married and has a daughter.
Neyran Bahadırlı
General Manager of Uber Turkey
Neyran Bahadırlı
General Manager of Uber Turkey
Neyran Bahadırlı is a graduate of Boğaziçi University's Economics department. After receiving her MBA from UVA Darden School of Business in the US, she worked in the TMT (Technology, Media, and Telecommunications) Investment Banking team at Merrill Lynch London office. She continued her career at the online communications company Skype in London. After a decade of experience abroad, she returned to Istanbul and was appointed as the General Manager of Uber Turkey. Uber, one of the world’s most popular technology apps, continues its operations in Turkey with Uber Taxi and Uber Courier. The number of Uber app downloads in Turkey has passed 6.5 million. Uber Yellow Taxi service is available in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, Adana, Bursa, Mersin, Kayseri, Nevsehir and Hatay; Turquoise Taxi, Black Taxi, Yellow - Black Large Taxi and Uber Courier services are available in Istanbul.
Nezih Sipahioğlu
Sipay Founder
Nezih Sipahioğlu
Sipay Founder
Nezih Sipahioglu is an innovative entrepreneur of success in establishing and scaling up companies. With a strong interest in finance and keen understanding of market trends, he has played an effective role in shaping industries and driving significant change.
He pursued his academic journey in the field of Business Administration, first completing preparatory degree at Regent College London, from 2008 to 2010. Later, from 2011 to 2014, he successfully attained his undergraduate education at City, University of London, majoring in Business Administration.
Nezih Sipahioglu is the CEO & Chairman of Global Trust Consulting since 2013 and Founder & Chairman of Sipay since 2018.
He strongly supports new ideas, diversity, and sustainability in business. With over 10 years of success in finance and entrepreneurship sector, he is a leader who manages and guides his companies with an open mind, always keeping them open to new opportunities.
Osman Arıoğlu
Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of Eksim Holding
Osman Arıoğlu
Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of Eksim Holding
Born in Sinop in 1959
Graduated from Ankara University Faculty of Political Sciences, Department of Economics and Finance
Career:
1980: Joined the Board of Experts in Accounting
1988: Went to England to study and research municipal revenues
1989-1994: Deputy Undersecretary of Istanbul Treasury
1994-1999: Deputy Director General of Revenue Administration, Ministry of Finance
1999: Acting Director General of Revenue Administration
2002: Re-appointed as Director General of Revenue Administration
2005: Assumed the position of President of the Revenue Administration upon its establishment
2007: Retired
2003-2008: Member of the Board of Directors of Public Banks Joint Management and Member of the Board of Directors of Ziraat Bankası
2008-2016: Provided financial and financial consultancy
2016: Joined Eksim Holding and currently serves as Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors
Other Activities:
Co-founder of AKT Certified Public Accountants and Independent Audit Inc. and Cc Construction
Education:
Ankara University Faculty of Political Sciences, Department of Economics and Finance
Languages:
Turkish (native), English (fluent)
Additional Information:
Arıoğlu has a wealth of experience in the public and private sectors, particularly in the areas of finance, taxation, and auditing.
He is a highly respected figure in the Turkish business community.
He is a member of several professional organizations, including the Turkish Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Turkish Association of Financial Executives.
Ozan Bayülgen
General Manager of HepsiPay
Ozan Bayülgen
General Manager of HepsiPay
Ozan Bayülgen completed the MBA program at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Having also completed training in digital strategy and advanced business management at Harvard Business School and Northwestern Kellogg School, Bayülgen held senior positions abroad in companies such as FedEx, Peppers & Rogers Group, and Star Group before coming to Türkiye.
In his most recent role as country partner at Bain & Company, Bayülgen directed strategy consulting and transformation programs for numerous leading retail, transportation, and technology firms. He joined Hepsiburada in early 2021 as the General Manager of HepsiPay.
Throughout his career, Bayülgen has also served as a part-time faculty member, teaching MBA and EMBA students at Koç University from 2011 to 2019.
Additionally, Ozan Bayülgen is a member of the board of directors of the Financial Literacy and Access Association. He is married and has three daughters.
Ömer Kemal İsvan
The Founder, President and Managing Partner of Servotel
Ömer Kemal İsvan
The Founder, President and Managing Partner of Servotel
Omer Isvan, the founder, president and managing partner of Servotel, has worked with global hotel companies in senior management positions. Backed up with industry-leading specialists based in London and Istanbul, Mr. Isvan’s experience spans over 43 countries and numerous projects advising investors in every step, from green-field stage to asset management of hotels & resorts, including hotel and spa operator selection and negotiations with most leading brands. Omer Isvan, who is a graduate of University of Surrey, England, with a BSc. in Hotel and Tourism Management; is a member of Institute of Hospitality; Institute of Directors and British Institute of Management, Global Wellness Institute Board Member ,CMI and advisory board member of the leading industry forum IHIF. Mr. Isvan is reported to have introduced the term ‘boutique hotel’ into the industry and is one of few industry leaders to make the cover of BusinessWeek magazine. Alongside his career, Mr. Isvan contributes to the industry by delivering keynote lectures in hospitality development at conferences such as 2022 – IHIF, 2022 Global Wellness Institute Summit, 2022 Turkish Tourism Investors Association Summit (TTYD) , 2022 Bosphorus Summit and leading universities and corporate MBA’s globally.
Dr. Ömer Özgür Tort
Chief Executive Officer of Migros Group
Dr. Ömer Özgür Tort
Chief Executive Officer of Migros Group
Ö. Özgür Tort, PhD joined the Business Development Department of Migros in 1996 and went on to lead, in chronological order, International Investments Coordination and Customer Relationship Management. In 2002, he was posted as Chief Operations Officer of Ramstore retail operations in Russia, where he stayed for the next four years before returning to Migros Türkiye as Chief Human Resources Officer in 2006. In 2008, Dr. Ö. Özgür Tort was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Migros and has served in this role ever since. In parallel, Özgür Tort has taken a lead in founding new generation retail services and is chair of all Migros subsidiaries: Dijital Platform Gıda Hizmetleri A.Ş. (MigrosOne – E-Commerce), Mimeda Medya Platform A.Ş. (Retail Media) , MoneyPay Ödeme ve Elektronik Para Hizmetleri A.Ş. (Fintech), Migen Enerji ve Elektrikli Araç Şarj Hizmetleri A.Ş. (EV Charging Services), Paket Lojistik ve Teknoloji A.Ş. (Paket Taxi – Last Mile Logistics) and CRC Danışmanlık ve Organizasyon A.Ş. (Gurmepack – Ready Meal Production). Tort is a member of Anadolu Group Sustainability Committee. In addition, since 2013 Dr. Ö. Özgür Tort has been a board member of the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF), a global organization formed by the world’s leading retailers and manufacturers. Between 2019 – 2021, he took over as the Co-Chair (retail) of the CGF. On the national level, Dr. Ö. Özgür Tort is the Vice Co-Chair of Food Retailers Association (GPD) and board member of the Turkish Federation of Shopping Centers and Retailers (TAMPF). In 2020, Tort became a board member of both GS1 Global and GS1 Türkiye. Tort graduated from Istanbul Technical University with a BSc in Industrial Engineering and in addition holds an MS degree in Engineering Management from Missouri University of Science and Technology. He gained a PhD degree at Marmara University in Engineering Management researching Value Chain Based Farmer Funding Models in Agriculture.
Paul Georges
The Principal of the Istanbul Saint-Joseph High School
Paul Georges
The Principal of the Istanbul Saint-Joseph High School
Paul Georges was born in 1972 in Brest, France. He graduated from Sorbonne University with a degree in French Literature. He speaks Turkish and English. Mr. Georges worked as a French teacher in Paris from 1996 to 2000 and has been living in Turkey since 2000.
Transitioning to Istanbul Saint-Joseph High School in 2004, he assumed the role of a French teacher, later advancing to the position of vice principal from 2007 to 2016. Since 2016, Mr. Georges has held the position of principal at the school.
Istanbul Saint-Joseph High School Director Paul Georges, who believes in the importance of stepping out of the comfort zone in education and seeking innovation, leads initiatives to bring together young people in many areas, from the development of multiple intelligences to sustainability, from project management to intercultural communication.
Prof. Dr. Selçuk Şirin
Researcher / Author-New York University
Prof. Dr. Selçuk Şirin
Researcher / Author-New York University
Selcuk R. Sirin, Ph.D., is a Professor of Applied Psychology at New York University specializing in the study of marginalized children and youth, focusing on improving educational and mental health services. His research covers the social and economic impacts on various groups including African American students, Muslim American youth, immigrants' children, and refugees in the US, Europe, and Turkey. Published in leading journals across psychology, education, and health, Sirin has earned multiple awards for teaching excellence and research innovation, notably from Boston College, NYU, the Foundation for Child Development, and the American Educational Research Association. He also received the 2018 Jacobs Foundation Prize for Social Engagement. Sirin co-authored "Muslim American Youth" in the US and authored five bestsellers in Turkey, focusing on societal issues and youth development. He founded the 1 Million Book Project, distributing over a million free children’s books in Turkey. Sirin contributes weekly columns to Oksijen and previously wrote for Hurriyet (2014-2018). And he is from Ardahan, formerly Kars.
Selim Akın
Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Akfen Holding
Selim Akın
Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Akfen Holding
Selim Akın, graduated from Surrey University, Business Administration Department in the United Kingdom, and after coming back to Turkey Mr. Akın started his professional career in the Akfen Holding Accounting Department and later served in the Project Development and Finance Departments.
The main projects in which he participated are the privatization and financing of Vehicle Inspection Stations, the privatization and financing of Mersin Port and Akfen Holding’s public offering and bond issue. Besides his Chairman of the Board of Directors role at Akfen İnşaat ve Turizm A.Ş. and İstanbul Fast Ferries (İDO), Mr. Akın also serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO at Akfen Holding and its various subsidiaries.
Mr. Akın is a member of TÜSİAD, Turkish Tourism Investors Association (TTYD), Young Businessmen Association of Turkey (TÜGİAD) and Turkish Contractors Association (TMB) Supervisory Board. He has also been serving as DEİK representative since 2018.
Selim Kervancı
CEO of HSBC Turkiye
Selim Kervancı
CEO of HSBC Turkiye
Selim Kervanci received a BSc degree in Electrical Engineering from Istanbul Techincal
University and also has an MBA from Vrije Universiteit de Brussel in Belgium. He started his
career as a Sales Engineer at Alcatel then he joined HSBC in 1996 as a management trainee
in Corporate Banking and Capital Markets. He was involved in the establishment of
commercial banking activities of the bank in addition to managing relationships with large
conglomerates.
In 2001, he became the Head of Financial Institutions and Structured Finance Department. In
2005 he became Head of Investment Banking which also included M&A and ECM in addition
to his previous responsibilities and in 2010 he then became the Head of Banking and Capital
Financing HSBC Turkiye which covers financial Institutions, multinationals, debt finance as
well as M&A advisory and equity capital markets.
He became the Head of Capital Financing MENA and Turkiye, based in Dubai October 2014
being responsible for the banks equity and debt related primary products. He has been
involved in both the origination and execution of numerous investment bantransactions.
Since 1st July 2016 till then, he is the CEO of HSBC Turkiye and member of TUSIAD (Turkish
Industrialists and Businessmen Association) since 2017 addition to his responsibilities at
HSBC he was recently assigned as Vice President of TUSIAD China Working Group by October
2022.
Şenol Ortaç
General Manager of Hepiyi Sigorta
Şenol Ortaç
General Manager of Hepiyi Sigorta
Born in 1970, Şenol Ortaç graduated from Saint Michel French High School in 1988 and continued his education at the Department of Business Administration at Marmara University Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, graduating in 1992.
Beginning his career at Renault in 1994, Ortaç took his first steps into the insurance sector in 1995 at Axa. Holding various positions within the company for 7 years, Ortaç started his journey at Fiba Sigorta in 2001 as a founding executive and Deputy General Manager responsible for Technology and Marketing. Over the course of 19 years since its establishment, Ortaç held leadership roles in various departments of the company and led numerous projects. In 2007, he also led the establishment process of Credit Europe Asigurari, the first insurance company established abroad by a Turkish investor.
In 2021, stepping away from his executive and board member positions at Sompo, Ortaç transitioned to Zurich Sigorta as the executive responsible for Digital and Business Partnerships. Most recently, he joined Doğan Holding as the co-founder and general manager of Hepiyi Sigorta.
Ortaç is married and a father of two daughters.
Tankut Turnaoğlu
CEO/Senior Vice President of P&G Turkey & CCAR
Tankut Turnaoğlu
CEO/Senior Vice President of P&G Turkey & CCAR
Tankut Turnaoğlu is the CEO/Senior Vice President of P&G Turkey & CCAR since March 2013. He started his career as an Assistant Brand Manager in 1991 in P&G Turkey and since then he held various positions like Country Manager of Central Asia and Caucasia in Kazakhstan, Fabric Care Marketing Director of Central and Eastern Europe in Brussels, Fabric Care General Manager of Asia and Australia region in Singapore.
Giving a lot of importance to building self-confidence among children and youngsters through sports, he led Olympic Moms movement program for encouraging children to engage in sports at early ages for their development.
As a strong believer of innovative ideas in business, corporate citizenship and work culture, Turnaoglu led P&G Turkey’s Office Move Project. The office is created under his leadership based on the career and personal development needs of Generation Y employees.
Turnaoglu is especially engaged in the creation of corporate start-up atmosphere within P&G. He initiated an internal P&G team building partnerships with start-ups and organizing start-up days & hackhatons. He also represents P&G in Endeavor Turkey as a member of Board - supporting entrepreneurship ecosystem of Turkey region.
He is currently the Chair of ABFT Turkey (US AmCham - American Business Forum). He is also in the High Advisory Board of Darussafaka Foundation and Boğaziçi University.
Turnaoglu received his bachelor’s degree from Boğaziçi University in Business Administration and completed a master’s degree with honors in International Marketing at the University of Massachusetts, where he was a scholarship student. Tankut is married and has three children.
Vahap Küçük
Chairman of LC WAIKIKI Executive Board
Vahap Küçük
Chairman of LC WAIKIKI Executive Board
Mr. Vahap Kucuk was born in 1961, in Dogansehir, Malatya and completed his education in Dogansehir. He was engaged in trade for a while in Malatya and then moved to Istanbul in 1990. Mr. Vahap Kucuk was one of the founding partners of Tema Tekstil Pazarlama A.S.
In the meantime, he completed the Strategic Business Management Expertise Programme in Marmara University.
Mr. Vahap Kucuk had been the General Manager of Tema Tekstil Pazarlama A.S. for 8 years. Throughout that period, LC Waikiki succeeded to have the most prominent and widespread dealer network in Turkey and became a market leader in several segments. Within the same period, Tema Tekstil globally obtained all the rights of LC Waikiki and thus, LC Waikiki became a Turkish brand. As for today, with the mission of “everyone deserves to dress well”, LC Waikiki sustains its activities as a global Turkish brand in 82 countries in 5 continents, with 1300 stores and 45.000 employees.
Küçük, who has worked as CEO until 2003, has become the Chairman of the Executive Board after 2003. At the same time, he has accomplished the establishment of Küçükler Holding where all the partners belong to Küçük Family and he worked as Chairman of the Executive Board. In 2013, Küçük has become the first Chairman of the Executive Board of the Shopping Malls and Retailers Association Federation (TAMPF) which was established by Turkey’s modern retail sector’s joined collaboration and performed his task until April, 2015. Vahap Küçük, currently works as the Chairman of the Executive Board of LC Waikiki and the board member of Taha Holding. He is married and he has three children.
Zeynep Bodur Okyay
President and CEO of Kale Group
Zeynep Bodur Okyay
President and CEO of Kale Group
From 1992 to 1993, Zeynep Bodur Okyay served in various positions as a management trainee in the production units of Çanakkale Ceramic Factories in Çan, Çanakkale. In 1995, she was appointed as a Member and Chairman of the Executive Committee of Kale Group's Marketing Companies and has been serving as the President and CEO of Kale Group since 2007.
Zeynep Bodur Okyay actively contributes to many non-governmental and international organizations by taking part in their management levels. Served as the President of the Assembly of the Istanbul Chamber of Industry for two consecutive terms between 2013 and 2022, Okyay currently serves as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Global Relations Forum Association, Board Member and Executive Committee Member of the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK), Chairman of the Türkiye-Morocco Business Council at DEİK and member of Turkish Industry and Business Association (TÜSİAD), Impact Investing Advisory Board, and Carnegie Europe Advisory Board. Zeynep Bodur Okyay, who has been actively supporting the G20 processes since the 2015 Turkish Presidency, will continue to serve as Co-Chair of the B20 “Women Diversity Inclusion Action Council” during the Brazilian Presidency through 2024.
Zeynep Bodur Okyay was awarded the "Cavaliere di Lavoro" decoration by the Italian State in 2006 for her contributions and services to Turkish-Italian relations and received the “Ufficiale dell'Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana” high-level state decoration in 2014. In 2010, she was honored with the Franco Nobili Award within the scope of “Türkiye in Europe” for her contribution to the relations between Türkiye and the European Union countries. In the same year, Zeynep Bodur Okyay received the Distinguished Service Award from the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye.
Also supported the establishment of a Turkish Chair at Harvard University through her work at the Harvard Alumni Association, of which she is one of the founders, Okyay leads many pioneering programs within Kale Group to contribute to Türkiye's education, design, art, local development, and social entrepreneurship ecosystem as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dr. (h.c.) İbrahim Bodur Kaleseramik Education, Health, and Social Aid Foundation.
Zeynep Bodur Okyay is fluent in Italian and English, having graduated from the Italian High School, Istanbul Technical University Department of Management Engineering, and Harvard University's graduate executive training programs, respectively. Zeynep Bodur Okyay is married to Osman Okyay, Vice Chairman of Kale Group, and has one child.
