The change in senior management at Turkish Airlines (THY) has created a wide impact in aviation and economic circles. As of April 8, 2026, a new era is beginning in the company’s management, and it is stated that Prof. Dr. Murat Şeker has been appointed as Chairman of the Board.
Flag Change in Management Becoming Official
According to the information obtained, the management change at THY, which has been in preparation for a long time, will become official following the upcoming general assembly. Murat Şeker is planned to replace the current Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat.
Within the same scope, it is anticipated that Bilal Ekşi, who has been serving as THY’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) since 2016, will hand over his role to Ahmet Olmuştur.
A Finance-Based Management Era
The appointment of Murat Şeker, who has served for many years as Deputy General Manager (CFO) responsible for financial affairs at THY, is interpreted as a shift towards a new management approach focused on financial sustainability.
In the post-pandemic period, increasing costs, global competition, and the growing need for financing have elevated the importance of finance-oriented executives in airline companies. Şeker stands out with his experience in THY’s income-expense balance, international financing processes, and fleet investments.
Career Journey of Murat Şeker
Murat Şeker graduated from Marmara University’s Department of Industrial Engineering in 2000 and completed his master’s degree in economics at Sabancı University. In 2008, he earned his PhD in economics from the University of Minnesota in the United States.
Şeker began his career as an economist at the World Bank and conducted studies in international trade, innovation, and entrepreneurship between 2008 and 2013. After returning to Türkiye, he held senior positions at Ziraat Bankası and joined THY in 2016.
Appointed as a Member of the THY Board of Directors in 2021, Şeker has also served on the Board of SunExpress. Continuing his academic work, Şeker received the title of professor in 2025.
Ahmet Olmuştur to Become CEO
Ahmet Olmuştur, who is planned to be appointed as THY’s CEO, began his career within the company. Starting at the THY Call Center in 2000, Olmuştur later held various positions in revenue management, pricing, and sales.
Having managed marketing and sales operations for many years, Olmuştur most recently served as Deputy General Manager (Commercial). In his new role, he is expected to lead the company’s commercial strategies.
Signal of Strategic Transformation at THY
This change in management indicates that THY will follow a strategy focused not only on operational growth but also on financial discipline, efficiency, and sustainability in the new period.
Industry representatives state that such management changes, especially in the face of increasing competition and cost pressures in global aviation, will be decisive for companies’ long-term performance.
https://www.airportgundem.com/thy-yonetiminde-tarihi-degisim-murat-seker-donemi-basliyor/
