Erol Sabancı
Erol Sabancı | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1938 Akçakaya, Kayseri, Turkey |
| Occupation | Banker |
| Known for | Honorary chairman of Akbank, member of Sabancı family |
Erol Sabancı (born 1938) is a Turkish billionaire banker and a prominent figure within the Sabancı family. He holds the position of honorary chairman at Akbank and has been a member of its board since 1963, playing a significant role in developing Turkey's leading and most profitable bank.
Early life
Sabancı was born in 1938 in the village of Akçakaya near Kayseri, Turkey. He is the fifth son of Hacı Ömer Sabancı, who established one of the largest business empires globally, and his wife Sadıka.
He completed his secondary schooling at Tarsus American College before pursuing studies at Manchester College of Commerce in England beginning in 1956. Upon returning to Turkey in 1958, he served two years in the military prior to joining the family enterprise.
Career
In 1960, Sabancı began working alongside his older brothers at the family holding company as manager of the flour mill and financial director for the textile company Bossa. By 1963, he had secured a seat on Akbank’s board to represent the Sabancı family's shares. At that period, Akbank was the smallest among the four major private banks, operating 63 branches. The Sabancı family gained majority ownership of Akbank by 1966.
He stepped down from other roles within Sabancı Holding in 1970, except for his position as board chairman, and relocated to Istanbul to assume the role of managing director at Akbank. Four years later, Sabancı Holding also moved its headquarters to Istanbul.
Sabancı joined Sabancı Holding’s board in 1967 and served as chairman from March 1998 until March 2008. Following this tenure, he was appointed honorary chairman and board advisor. Presently, he holds the role of vice chairman on Sabancı Holding’s board.
Personal life
He is married to Belkıs and has two daughters, one of whom is Suzan Sabancı Dinçer, who serves as chairman and executive board member of Akbank. Sabancı is also a grandfather to four grandchildren.