Türkiye Finans develops entrepreneurial skills to find the ‘new normal’

Cahit Kıraç, Chairman of EXPO 2020 İzmir Executive Committee and Steering Board

The host city and theme of the 2020 World Expo will be decided this year. The Turkish city of İzmir, one of the five candidates, is pitching the theme “New routes to a better world: Health for all”. Cahit Kıraç explains why İzmir chose health as its universal theme, the strides that Turkey has made in delivering high quality healthcare, and the legacy he hopes EXPO 2020 can leave in İzmir.

Dominique Uzel, Director of International Operations, Groupama

Turkey’s insurance market has been growing rapidly in recent years, thanks to new laws introduced to liberalise the industry. But it is still underdeveloped compared with other established economies: the market is worth just $120 per capita, while the French insurance sector is worth over $4,000 per capita. Dominique Uzel explains how Groupama is working closely with its extensive agent network to create new products designed especially for Turkey.

Alp Keler, CEO, Ak Asset Management

Turkey’s government is expected to pass a new capital market law later this year – one highly favourable to the country’s asset management industry. Alp Keler explains the country’s strong position as an emerging market, and how Ak Asset Management has established itself as one of the leaders in the sector: combining innovative products with a commitment to sustainable growth.

Murat Kutluturk and Candas Gulez, ETRM Energy Consultancy and Risk Management

ETRM is a global energy consultancy, working at every level – from generation and transmission to distribution and service – across the wholesale, retail and utility sectors. Murat and Candas explain how the company works to internationalise best practice, Turkey’s new pricing mechanism for renewable energy, and its role as a bridge between eastern suppliers and western consumers.

Görkhan Bozkurt, CEO, Türk Telekom

Türk Telekom is the incumbent fixed-line operator in Turkey, and is using its strong market share to deliver ‘convergence’: packages of complementary communication services with value-added benefits. Görkhan Bozkurt discusses the significance of this strategy for retail and corporate growth, and the investments already yielding rewards for the company.

Muhsin Keskin and Birtürk Aydin, Esin Attorney Partnership; and Gary Senior, Baker & McKenzie

As Turkey’s economy becomes more important internationally, Istanbul has become a key commercial centre. Recognising this, Baker & McKenzie recently allied with Esin Attorney Partnership, combining B&M’s global reach with Esin’s strong local law capability.

Metin Ar, President and CEO, Garanti Securities

Turkey experienced a major crisis in 2001, and as a result of the measures subsequently introduced it has shown a lot more resilience in the latest global recession. Mr Ar outlines the current state of play in the Turkish IPO market and the future of the economy.

Dr Ismail Esin, Partner, Esin Law Firm

When Turkey experienced its own financial crisis in 2000-1, businesses learned quickly the importance of good governance and sustainable operation. Dr Esin discusses the current business landscape and Turkey as an investment hub for central Asia.

Caner Oner, Senior Advisor, Oyak

Established 50 years ago, Oyak was one of the first private pension plans in Turkey, and it is now the largest in the country by assets. Mr Oner explains how the company’s pioneering work in relationship management and corporate governance have helped it succeed.