Hakan Bulgurlu

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Hakan Bulgurlu
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Born1972 (age 52–53)
Oslo, Norway
NationalityTurkish-Norwegian
Alma materHong Kong University
OccupationBusiness executive

Hakan Bulgurlu (born 1972) is a Turkish-Norwegian business executive, who is the current chief executive officer of Beko (formerly Arçelik). He is also an environmental advocate, and author.

Early life and Education

Bulgurlu was born in Oslo, Norway. He spent his early years on the Prince Islands, Istanbul, where he developed an interest in maritime life.[1]

He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Economics from the University of Texas and later obtained an MBA from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) through its joint Executive MBA program with Northwestern University.[2]

Career

Koç Holding and Early Roles

In 1994, he began his career at Koç Holding, a Fortune Global 500 company, holding various management positions focused on international expansion, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. He spent over 13 years in Hong Kong managing trade, outsourcing, and business development.[3]

Arçelik / Beko

From 2007 to 2010, he served as CEO of Arçelik LG, Turkey’s first and largest integrated air conditioner manufacturer. He joined Arçelik, the global home appliances manufacturer, in 2010 as Chief Commercial Officer, overseeing sales across Europe, the USA, and Asia-Pacific.[4]

In 2015, Bulgurlu was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Arçelik. His leadership period has included international acquisitions, joint ventures, and a focus on environmental sustainability.[5] In 2024, Arçelik consolidated its global brand portfolio under the Beko name. [6] Following this rebranding, Beko expanded its international presence and became one of the leading companies in the global home appliances sector.[7][8]

In April 2024, Arçelik and Whirlpool Corporation entered into a joint venture agreement to create Beko Europe, combining their European home appliance businesses. The transaction aimed to enhance operational scale and market presence across the region.[9]

Publications and Thought Leadership

Bulgurlu has also led sustainability commitments at Arçelik (Beko), including efforts toward net-zero emissions.[10]

He is part of the World Economic Forum's CEO Climate Leaders Alliance, a global CEO-led community committed to achieving a net-zero economy.[11]

Bulgurlu serves as President of APPLiA, a Brussels-based association representing the home appliance industry in Europe. In this role, he supports initiatives related to decarbonization, energy efficiency, and sustainable product policy.[12]

In 2022, he published A Mountain to Climb: The Climate Crisis, A Summit Beyond Everest, reflecting on his Everest expedition and exploring the role of business in tackling climate change.[13]

His perspectives on climate action and leadership have been featured in several podcasts including The Dr. Mark Hyman Show, Thought Economics, and Dr. Mark Goulston.[14][15]

Environmental Advocacy

Bulgurlu has been involved in climate action initiatives, particularly concerning global warming, sea level rise and glacial melting. He has participated in expeditions to raise awareness of environmental issues.[16]

In 2019, he climbed Mount Everest to highlight glacial melt in the Himalayas.[17] In late 2023, he climbed Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica, and became the first Turkish citizen to reach South Pole to raise awareness about rising sea levels.[18]

He is a member of YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization) and has spoken on corporate sustainability and climate action.[19]

Personal Life

As president of the Mediterranean Archaeology Association, he supports underwater archaeology and cultural heritage preservation. He is a founding member of Mediterranean Conservation Society[20].[21]

He has also participated in mountaineering, skiing, and sailing, including polar and high-altitude expeditions.[22]

See Also

  • Arçelik
  • Beko
  • Koç Holding

References

  1. "About the Author". amountaintoclimb.org.
  2. HKUST Alumni Profile: Hakan Bulgurlu
  3. "Interview: Türkiye's appliance giant Arcelik bets on China, says company CEO".
  4. "İnandığımız değerler için sorumluluk almayı aktivistlik olarak tanımlarsak, evet, ben aktivist bir CEO'yum". 14 January 2022.
  5. The Economist: A Turkish Maker of White Goods is Looking Outwards
  6. CEO Magazine: Interview with Hakan Bulgurlu
  7. Financial Times: Beko AI Evolution
  8. Financial Times
  9. CNBC: Whirlpool and Beko Merger
  10. CNBC: Arçelik's Sustainability Commitments
  11. "Governments and business must double down on climate action". World Economic Forum.
  12. APPLiA: Arçelik’s CEO Hakan Bulgurlu Elected as New President
  13. "A Conversation with Arçelik CEO, Hakan Bulgurlu on Summiting Everest".
  14. The Dr. Mark Hyman Show
  15. Dr. Mark Goulston Podcast
  16. "In Conversation with Hakan Bulgurlu". The Beautiful Truth. April 2022.
  17. BBC: Climate Report
  18. Bulgurlu, Hakan. "Rising waters, deepening divides: We must overcome global inaction to solve the climate challenge - edie". Edie.
  19. YPO Profile: Hakan Bulgurlu
  20. "Mediterranean Archaeology Association". medarchaeology.net.
  21. "Mediterranean Conservation Society".
  22. "'We need to act now': Hakan Bulgurlu on climbing Everest to raise the alarm on climate change".

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