Turkish Airlines has unveiled a significant restructuring of its executive leadership, appointing Prof. Murat Şeker as Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee, and Ahmet Olmuştur as Chief Executive Officer. The changes reflect the airline’s broader strategic objectives as it continues to expand its global footprint and reinforce its position in international aviation.
The leadership transition places Prof. Murat Şeker—previously Chief Financial Officer—at the helm of the Board. With extensive experience in finance, treasury, procurement, and investor relations, Şeker has played a central role in shaping the airline’s financial strategy since joining the executive team in 2016. He has also served as a member of the Board and Executive Committee since 2021.
Şeker’s academic and professional background underscores a blend of financial expertise and international policy experience. Holding a PhD in Economics from the University of Minnesota, along with advanced degrees from Sabancı University and Marmara University, he has contributed to global economic research, including his tenure at the World Bank between 2008 and 2013. During that period, he focused on innovation, trade, and economic development in emerging markets.
Prior to joining Turkish Airlines, Şeker held senior leadership roles at Ziraat Bank, where he managed international funding strategies and investor relations, while also serving on the boards of several financial subsidiaries. Beyond his corporate responsibilities, he has maintained a strong presence in academia and international aviation policy. Since 2024, he has been a member of the Financial Advisory Council of International Air Transport Association, and assumed its chairmanship in 2025, advising on financial sector policies impacting the aviation industry.
In parallel with Şeker’s appointment, Ahmet Olmuştur has been named Chief Executive Officer, succeeding from his previous role as Chief Commercial Officer. His elevation to CEO marks the culmination of a career spanning more than two decades within the airline.
Olmuştur began his journey with Turkish Airlines in 2000 as a part-time call center employee, later transitioning into revenue management where he held progressively senior roles, including positions overseeing global distribution systems, pricing, and revenue optimization. Over the years, he has been instrumental in shaping the airline’s commercial strategy, including network planning, sales and marketing operations, and customer experience initiatives.
Since 2014, Olmuştur has led key commercial functions, initially as Chief Marketing and Sales Officer and, more recently, as Chief Commercial Officer. His leadership has been closely associated with the airline’s expansion into new markets and the strengthening of its global brand, as well as the development of its Miles&Smiles loyalty program.
In addition to his executive responsibilities, Olmuştur holds board and advisory roles across the aviation ecosystem, including positions with Turkish Technic and SunExpress, as well as participation in the Distribution Advisory Council of IATA. His engagement also extends beyond aviation into cultural, sporting, and educational institutions.
The leadership overhaul comes at a time when Turkish Airlines continues to scale its operations as the carrier serving the most countries worldwide. The new executive structure is expected to support the airline’s long-term ambitions, including sustainable growth, operational resilience, and enhanced customer-centric services.
With a strengthened leadership team and a clear strategic direction, Turkish Airlines is positioning itself to navigate evolving market dynamics while maintaining its competitive edge across global passenger and cargo networks.
