Hüsnü Özyeğin
Hüsnü Özyeğin | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 1, 1944 İzmir, Turkey |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, Banker |
| Years active | since 1980s |
| Known for | Founder of Finansbank |
Hüsnü Özyeğin (born 1 September 1944) is a prominent Turkish billionaire entrepreneur and the founder of Finansbank in 1987. He eventually divested the Turkish operations of the bank. His financial ventures are overseen by Fiba Holding, whereas his non-financial enterprises are managed under Fina Holding.
Background
Özyeğin was born in İzmir, Turkey. After completing his education at Robert College in 1963, he relocated to the United States with minimal financial resources. He pursued a degree in civil engineering at Oregon State University and subsequently earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Career
Upon returning to Turkey, Özyeğin commenced his career at Pamukbank, where he ascended to the position of general manager by the age of 32. In 1984, he transitioned to Yapı ve Kredi Bankası, successfully restoring its profitability within two years. He established Finansbank in 1987, which expanded to more than 200 branches spanning nine countries, predominantly in Europe. His financial institutions were unified under Fiba Holding, encompassing approximately 8,500 employees across 20 companies.
Özyeğin broadened his portfolio by investing in sectors such as real estate, energy, and retail. His acquisitions included supermarket chains like Gima, Endi, Spar, and Greens. Additionally, he obtained a franchise agreement with British retailer Marks & Spencer and acquired Sakura Bank. In 2005, he sold Gima to Sabancı Holding and acquired the five-star Swissotel located in Istanbul.
In 2006, Özyeğin divested a 46% share of Finansbank's Turkish division to National Bank of Greece for US$2.774 billion, followed by the sale of the remaining 9% stake for US$700 million in 2008. He maintained a chairman role for two years after these transactions.
The international branches of Finansbank were rebranded as Credit Europe Bank, where Özyeğin continues as a significant shareholder and board member. By 2008, Credit Europe Bank employed over 6,000 staff across Europe and Asia and served upwards of three million clients.
In recognition of his achievements, Özyeğin was honored as "Businessman of the Year" in 2000 by Ekonomist. He has been an advocate for enhancing educational access for women and established Özyeğin University in Istanbul in 2007 through his foundation, with plans to invest up to $1 billion over a 15-year period.
Fiba Group holds partial ownership in the Kınık coal mine.
Personal life
Özyeğin is married with two children and lives in Istanbul, Turkey.