Turkish Airlines is entering a new leadership chapter, announcing a significant reshuffle at the top of its executive structure as it positions itself for continued global expansion.
The airline has appointed Prof. Murat Şeker as chairman of the board of directors and the executive committee, while Ahmet Olmuştur steps into the role of CEO. The changes reflect a strategic realignment aimed at strengthening Turkish Airlines’ position in an increasingly competitive aviation market.
Şeker brings deep financial and institutional experience to the chairman role. Having served as chief financial officer since 2016, he has overseen key areas including finance, treasury, procurement and investor relations. His tenure also includes positions at the World Bank and Ziraat Bank, as well as board roles at Turkish Technic and SunExpress.
Since 2021, Şeker has been a member of both the board and executive committee, giving him a central role in shaping the airline’s recent strategy. He also chairs the Financial Advisory Council at the International Air Transport Association, further reinforcing his influence within the global aviation sector.
Taking over as CEO, Ahmet Olmuştur represents a different kind of leadership story – one shaped entirely within the airline. He began his career at Turkish Airlines in 2000 as a part-time call center employee and steadily rose through the ranks, gaining experience across revenue management, pricing, distribution and network planning.
Olmuştur later became chief marketing and sales officer in 2014, before being appointed chief commercial officer in 2024. In that role, he led the airline’s global sales and marketing strategy, playing a key part in expanding its network and strengthening its commercial performance.
His experience also extends to customer-focused initiatives, including involvement in the development of the Miles&Smiles loyalty program and broader efforts to enhance passenger experience. Like Şeker, he holds board positions at SunExpress and Turkish Technic and is a member of the IATA Distribution Advisory Council.
The leadership changes come at a time when Turkish Airlines continues to expand its global footprint, leveraging its strategic hub in Istanbul to connect Europe, Asia and beyond. The airline said the new structure aligns with its long-term corporate objectives and is designed to support sustained growth.
As competition intensifies across international aviation, the appointments signal a blend of continuity and renewal – combining financial oversight with commercial expertise at the highest level of the company.
