April 2026: Turkish Airlines has announced key changes to its executive management structure, appointing Prof. Murat Şeker as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, and Ahmet Olmuştur as Chief Executive Officer.
The leadership transition is aligned with the airline’s broader corporate objectives and growth ambitions, as it looks to further strengthen its position in global aviation.
Prof. Murat Şeker, who previously served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), brings extensive experience across finance, treasury, and investor relations. He has been associated with the airline in multiple leadership roles, including as a member of the Board and Executive Committee since 2021. During his tenure as CFO since 2016, he has overseen key functions such as financing, procurement, accounting, and treasury operations.
Before joining Turkish Airlines, Prof. Şeker held senior roles at World Bank, where he worked as an economist between 2008 and 2013, contributing to research on innovation, entrepreneurship, and international trade. He also served as Senior Vice President at Ziraat Bank, managing international funding and investor relations, and held board positions across its subsidiaries.
An active contributor to the global aviation ecosystem, Prof. Şeker has been a member of the Financial Advisory Council of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) since 2024 and has served as its Chair since 2025.
As part of the management changes, Ahmet Olmuştur, who has led the airline’s commercial and marketing operations in recent years, has been elevated to the role of CEO. He previously served as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and has played a pivotal role in shaping Turkish Airlines’ sales, marketing, and revenue strategies.
Olmuştur began his career with Turkish Airlines in 2000 as a part-time employee at its call centre and steadily rose through the ranks, holding key positions including Flight Analyst, Manager of Revenue Management and Pricing, and Senior Vice President of Revenue Management. Since 2014, he has led the airline’s marketing and sales functions, later taking charge as CCO in 2024.
Over the years, he has contributed significantly to areas such as route network planning, pricing strategies, customer experience, and the airline’s Miles&Smiles loyalty programme. In addition to his executive role, he serves on the boards of SunExpress and Turkish Technic, and is also a member of the IATA Distribution Advisory Council.
Turkish Airlines stated that the new leadership structure is aimed at reinforcing its long-term vision, backed by strong human capital, a focus on sustainable growth, and a continued commitment to delivering a passenger-centric experience.
