A Historic Milestone in Türkiye’s Corporate Landscape: Sabancı Holding Appoints First Non-Family Chair in Sabancı Group’s 100-Year History
Sabancı Holding, a cornerstone of Türkiye’s corporate landscape, has achieved a significant milestone by appointing its first non-family Chair of the Board. This landmark decision, formalized at the company’s Annual General Meeting on March 27, 2025, represents a pivotal evolution in the Holding’s corporate governance. Hayri Çulhacı, a seasoned executive with a distinguished 35-year tenure within the Sabancı Group, has been named Chair of the Board.
Strategic Evolution Towards Independent Leadership:
This appointment follows Güler Sabancı’s decision to step down after 21 years of exemplary leadership as Chair. In a parallel move, renowned finance and business leader Tayfun Bayazıt has joined the Board as an independent member. These changes signify a strategic shift towards independent leadership, with non-family members now comprising a majority of the Sabancı Holding Board of Directors for the first time, unlike the century-long history of the Sabancı Group.
Hayri Çulhacı’s appointment underscores Sabancı Holding’s commitment to internal talent development and institutional excellence. Throughout his extensive career within the Group, Çulhacı has held key leadership positions, including Executive Board Member of Sabancı Holding, Vice Chairman of Akbank, and board memberships across numerous Sabancı subsidiaries.
"A New Chapter in Sabancı’s Enduring Legacy"
"I am deeply honored to assume the role of Chair of Sabancı Holding,” stated Hayri Çulhacı. “This appointment reflects the Board's confidence and trust, for which I am profoundly grateful. Sabancı Group has consistently demonstrated its commitment to institutionalization and global partnerships. This transition marks a new chapter in our corporate evolution, building upon a century of success.”
Looking forward, Çulhacı emphasized the company’s strategic priorities: “Our focus remains on driving sustainable growth, fostering innovation, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies. Working closely with CEO Cenk Alper and the entire leadership team, we will ensure Sabancı Holding continues to lead in our core sectors and beyond, creating lasting value for generations to come.”
Çulhacı also paid tribute to the company’s foundational legacy and outgoing Chair: “We owe immense gratitude to our founder, the late Hacı Ömer Sabancı, and the Sabancı family for their visionary leadership. I extend my sincere appreciation to Güler Sabancı for her 21 years of exceptional service and her unwavering commitment to education and social development through the Sabancı Foundation, Museum, and University. Her insights will continue to guide us.”