Hamdi Akın
Hamdi Akın | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 17, 1954 Istanbul, Turkey |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, businessman |
| Known for | Chairman of Akfen Holding |
Hamdi Akın (born 17 August 1954 in Istanbul) is a prominent Turkish entrepreneur and currently serves as the chairman of the board at Akfen Holding. In 2016, Forbes listed him as the 1694th wealthiest individual worldwide, with an estimated net worth of $1 billion, ranking him as the 27th richest person in Turkey.
Early life
Hamdi Akın is the third offspring of Hasan and Hikmet Akın. He graduated from Mustafa Kemal Lisesi located in Ankara, Yenimahalle, and pursued a degree in mechanical engineering at Gazi University.
Professional life
While still attending university, Akın initiated his entrepreneurial journey by producing water and fuel tanks along with heating boilers in his father's workshop. His inaugural project involved manufacturing heating boilers for Ankara Emek Camii (Mosque). Subsequently, he established a construction materials store in Ankara and began working as a contractor in 1976, founding Akfen Holding. During the 1980s, his efforts concentrated on infrastructure developments such as hospitals and educational facilities. In 1986, he executed his first public infrastructure venture—the Antalya Airport Terminal Building—employing the ‘Build–Operate–Transfer’ approach. He also secured contracts for airports including Kayseri Erkilet, Çarşamba, Isparta Süleyman Demirel, collaborating with the State Airports Authority and Bursa Natural Gas.
In 1997, together with TEPE Group and VIE Group, Akın co-established “TAV Airports” after winning the tender for İstanbul Atatürk Airport, constructed through the ‘Build–Operate–Transfer’ scheme. He integrated various enterprises engaged in airport real estate development, construction, port investments, energy, and infrastructure into Akfen Holding. Since 2005, he has held the chairmanship of both Akfen Holding and TAV Airports Holding.
That same year, Akın entered into a 50/50 joint venture with port operator PSA, acquiring operational rights to Mersin Port for a 36-year term. Additionally, he launched Akfen Real Estate Investment Trust Inc., partnering strategically with Accor S.A. to develop three- and four-star urban hotels. Under his leadership as chairman, Mersin International Port (MIP) commenced operations in 2007. Akfen also ventured into vehicle inspection services through collaborations with TUV Sud AG and Dogus Automotive but divested its stake to Bridge Point in 2009.
In 2005, Akın founded Akfen Su Inc. alongside Kardan N.V. He secured the privatization tender for "İDO" (Istanbul Fast Ferries Co. Inc.) in 2011 with partners Tepe Construction, Souter Investments LLP, and Sera Real Estate. In 2012, he sold a 38% share of TAV Airports to Aéroports de Paris for $847 million.
Social Responsibilities
In 1999, Hamdi Akın established TİKAV (Turkey Human Resources Foundation) aimed at enhancing social education and personal development opportunities for students at Fırat University throughout their academic tenure. He holds the honorary presidency of this Foundation and is among the founders of the Contemporary Turkey Studies Chair at the London School of Economics.
Following the outbreak of the Syrian civil war, Hamdi Akın opened his residences to provide shelter for Syrian refugees in December 2015.
Non-governmental organizations
- Served as Vice President of Fenerbahçe Sports Club from 2000 to 2002
- Represented Ankara Region on the Council of the Turkish Metal Industrialists' Union (MESS) between 1992 and 2004
- Led the Turkish Young Businessmen’s Association (TÜGİAD) as president from 1998 to 2000
- Held a board membership at the Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations (TİSK) from 1995 to 2001
- Participated as a board member and chaired the Information Society and New Technologies Commission within TÜSİAD during 2008–2009; also a member of TÜSİAD
- Vice president and member of the board of trustees for the Foundation to Support Kayseri AGÜ
- Board member of the Deniz Temiz Foundation
- Member of the İstanbul Rotary Club
Private life
Hamdi Akin is a father to two daughters and one son. His children, Pelin Akin and Selim Akin, are both involved as board members at Afken Holding.