Sabancı Holding Names First Non-Family Chair Amid Centennial Celebrations
Istanbul, Tuesday, 1 April 2025.
For the first time in 100 years, Sabancı Holding appoints a non-family chair, a pivotal move in Türkiye’s corporate governance.
Historic Transition in Leadership
In a landmark decision announced on March 27, 2025, Sabancı Holding appointed Hayri Çulhacı as its new Chair of the Board, marking the first time in the company’s century-long history that a non-family member has assumed this pivotal role [1]. This transition comes as Güler Sabancı steps down after serving as Chair for 21 years, during which she demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the company’s growth and social development initiatives [1].
Corporate Governance Evolution
The appointment represents a significant shift in Sabancı Holding’s corporate governance structure, with non-family members now constituting the majority of the Board for the first time [1]. Çulhacı brings over three decades of leadership experience to the role, including extensive expertise from his tenure as Executive Vice President at Akbank and his service on various board committees [1]. The transition has been further strengthened by the addition of Tayfun Bayazıt, a renowned finance leader, who joins the Board as an independent member [1].
Strategic Vision and Legacy
In his new role, Çulhacı has articulated a clear focus on driving sustainable growth and leveraging cutting-edge technologies [1]. While embracing modern corporate governance practices, the new Chair has also acknowledged the foundational legacy of the Sabancı family, particularly recognizing the vision of founder Hacı Ömer Sabancı and the contributions of outgoing Chair Güler Sabancı to education and social development through the Sabancı Foundation, Museum, and University [1].
Future Implications
As Sabancı Holding enters its second century, this governance shift could set a precedent for other family-controlled conglomerates in Türkiye and the broader region [GPT]. The company continues to maintain its diverse portfolio across key sectors including banking, energy, mobility, and digital technologies, positioning itself for continued innovation and growth under its new leadership structure [1].