“The Most Powerful in 2004”

Capital’s survey of the “The Most Powerful Figures In The Business World” brings together the most powerful names in Turkey. This research, which includes asking the opinions of the leading names in every field in Turkey, ranks the 30 most powerful names in the business world and explains the reasons for their influence.

“THE MOST POWERFUL IN 2004”
In the modern business world, power can be derived from many difference sources. Some executives and leaders derive their power from their charisma, some from their private wealth and others from their influence in NGOs. Leaders can be described as powerful because of the number of personnel or companies that they manage or because of the influence they wield in the business world or in the determination of the country’s policies.
Tuncay Özilhan, Board Chair of the Anadolu Group and a former TÜSİAD president, is one of these names. While he was TÜSİAD president, Özilhan wielded considerable influence in Ankara. He has continued to be influential since he stepped down. Because the group that he heads is one of the foundation stones of the Turkish economy. Another name is Ömer Dinçkök, board chair of the Akkök Companies Group. In addition to being influential in business he also derives some of his influence from the support he has given to NGOs.

The most powerful in Turkey
First place in the list of the most powerful names of 2004 goes, as it did in 2003, to Koç Holding Honorary Chair Rahmi Koç. In 2003 the holding had a consolidated turnover of US$ 11.1 billon. However, much Rahmi Koç may have transferred the business to his son Mustafa Koç he continues to be influential. He also has considerable influence in Ankara.
Second place goes to Güler Sabancı, who was appointed to chair the board of Sabancı Holding, following the death of her uncle Sakıp Sabancı. Güler Sabancı started her business career at Lassa and spent 14 years as general manager of Kordsa. Now she is the number one name at Sabancı Holding, heading of one of the most important holdings in Turkey with investments on five continents, employing nearly 40,000 people in Turkey and influencing many of the country’s dynamics.