Letter from the CEO
Esteemed Shareholders and Investors,
As we step into the second century of the Sabancı Group, I am honored and excited to assume the role of CEO of Sabancı Holding. Without a doubt, this new chapter brings with it a profound sense of responsibility. I want to personally thank you for your continued trust and partnership.
This responsibility goes far beyond the duties of a position. It is a mission to carry forward the values, culture, and vision of one of Türkiye’s most established and influential institutions. For over a century, Sabancı has not only been a prominent player in the business world but also a force that touches lives, drives transformation, and creates lasting value. Now, the time has come to redefine this legacy for a new era.
The world we live in today is shaped as much by uncertainty as it is by opportunity. Global power dynamics are shifting, the climate crisis is deepening, technological transformation is accelerating, and societal expectations are being rewritten. At Sabancı, we view this period not merely as a time to adapt, but as a call to lead. I want to reaffirm: Sabancı remains a resilient, high-integrity institution with a clear strategy for long-term value creation.
Our focus remains on sustainable, digital, and scalable growth, with a balanced portfolio, strong governance, and prudent capital allocation.
Personally, I am excited to deepen the dialogue with our investor community. I have had the privilege to work with many of you before, and I am looking forward to meeting those I haven’t yet had the chance to engage with directly.
Together, we will accelerate what we have built; and shape what comes next.
With respect and commitment,
Kıvanç Zaimler
CEO
Sabancı Holding
About Kıvanç Zaimler
Following a long-standing executive career within the Sabancı Group, Kıvanç Zaimler was appointed CEO of Sabancı Holding as of June 1, 2025. Over the years, he has become a prominent figure in the energy sector, known for his leadership in transformation, commitment to sustainability, and ability to forge strategic international partnerships.
Since 2018, Kıvanç Zaimler has been serving as President of the Energy Group at Sabancı Holding. In this capacity, he also serves as Chair of the Board for Enerjisa Enerji, Enerjisa Üretim, and Sabancı Climate Technologies—the Group’s U.S.-based platform for renewable energy and climate tech investments. More recently, he assumed the role of Chair of the Board at Temsa, Sabancı’s automotive subsidiary. Across these roles, he has led the execution of energy- and technology-focused growth strategies both in Türkiye and global markets. Zaimler joined Enerjisa in 2008, where he held senior roles across trading, distribution, and retail operations. From 2016 to 2018, he served as CEO of Enerjisa and successfully led the company through its initial public offering.
In addition to his leadership in the energy sector, Zaimler has contributed to the transformation of SabancıDx as Chair of the Board and has also served on the boards of Aksigorta and Agesa, the Group’s insurance subsidiaries.
Before joining Sabancı, Zaimler held executive positions in various industries and began his professional career in 1992. He is a graduate of Istanbul Erkek Lisesi and holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from Istanbul Technical University. He furthered his studies at the Technical University of Berlin, enriching his leadership with international academic experience.
Zaimler holds active roles in civil society and international platforms. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the World Energy Council Türkiye and holds key positions such as Board Member at IICEC (Istanbul International Center for Energy and Climate), Advisory Board Member at SHURA Energy Transition Center, and member of TÜSİAD. In addition, he plays an active role in representing both Türkiye and Sabancı Group at major global platforms, including the UN Climate Change Conferences (COP) and the World Economic Forum (WEF).
Zaimler’s background as a former professional basketball player and coach brings a unique perspective to his leadership and team management approach. Through his involvement in personal development and mentorship programs, he actively supports the growth of future leaders—reflecting a multifaceted leadership style that extends beyond business to include meaningful contributions to society.