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Hakan Bulgurlu

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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.

Beko is the world's second-largest manufacturer of home appliances, according to Euromonitor International. The company was also recognized as one of the world’s most sustainable companies by TIME in its World’s Most Sustainable Companies 2024 list.[1][2]

Early life and Education

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Bulgurlu was born in Oslo, Norway. He spent his early years on the Prince Islands, Istanbul, where he developed an interest in maritime life.[3]

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.[4]

Career

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Koç Holding and Early Roles

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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.[5]

Arçelik / Beko

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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.[6]

In 2015, he was appointed CEO, leading the company’s expansion to 45 production facilities in 13 countries.[7] Under his leadership, Arçelik pursued acquisitions, joint ventures, and sustainability initiatives.[8] In 2024, the company rebranded under the Beko name as part of a global brand consolidation strategy.[9] Beko has expanded internationally, positioning itself as a major player in the global home appliances market.[10]

In April 2024, Beko entered into an agreement with Whirlpool Corporation to establish Beko Europe, further strengthening its presence in the home appliances sector.[11]

Publications and Thought Leadership

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Bulgurlu has also led sustainability commitments at Arçelik (Beko), including efforts toward net-zero emissions.[12]

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.[13]

Bulgurlu is the President of APPLiA, a Brussels-based organization representing European home appliance manufacturers, where he advocates for decarbonization, energy efficiency, and sustainability.[14]

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.[15]

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.[16][17]

Environmental Advocacy

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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.[18]

In 2019, he climbed Mount Everest to highlight glacial melt in the Himalayas.[19] 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.[20]

He is a member of YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization) and has spoken on corporate sustainability and climate action.[21]

Awards and Recognition

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He has received recognition for contributions to business and sustainability, including:

  • YPO Global Impact Regional Honoree for Pacific U.S.[22]
  • Leadership Award at the TCG Summit, a global platform for the electronics retail industry.[23]

Personal Life

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He is married and has three children.[24]

As president of the Mediterranean Archaeology Association, he supports underwater archaeology and cultural heritage preservation. He is a founding member of Mediterranean Conservation Society[25].[26]

He has also participated in mountaineering, skiing, and sailing, including polar and high-altitude expeditions.[27]

See Also

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References

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  1. ^ "The World Market for Major Appliances". Euromonitor.
  2. ^ "World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2024". TIME.
  3. ^ "About the Author". amountaintoclimb.org.
  4. ^ HKUST Alumni Profile: Hakan Bulgurlu
  5. ^ "Interview: Türkiye's appliance giant Arcelik bets on China, says company CEO".
  6. ^ "İnandığımız değerler için sorumluluk almayı aktivistlik olarak tanımlarsak, evet, ben aktivist bir CEO'yum".
  7. ^ The Economist: A Turkish Maker of White Goods is Looking Outwards
  8. ^ CEO Magazine: Interview with Hakan Bulgurlu
  9. ^ Financial Times: Beko AI Evolution
  10. ^ Financial Times
  11. ^ CNBC: Whirlpool and Beko Merger
  12. ^ CNBC: Arçelik's Sustainability Commitments
  13. ^ "Governments and business must double down on climate action". World Economic Forum.
  14. ^ APPLiA: Arçelik’s CEO Hakan Bulgurlu Elected as New President
  15. ^ "A Conversation with Arçelik CEO, Hakan Bulgurlu on Summiting Everest".
  16. ^ The Dr. Mark Hyman Show
  17. ^ Dr. Mark Goulston Podcast
  18. ^ "In Conversation with Hakan Bulgurlu". The Beautiful Truth.
  19. ^ BBC: Climate Report
  20. ^ Asia Global Institute Profile: Hakan Bulgurlu
  21. ^ YPO Profile: Hakan Bulgurlu
  22. ^ YPO Profile: Hakan Bulgurlu
  23. ^ TCG Summit Awards
  24. ^ "Our Champions - YPO Inner Journey".
  25. ^ "Mediterranean Archaeology Association". medarchaeology.net.
  26. ^ "Mediterranean Conservation Society".
  27. ^ "'We need to act now': Hakan Bulgurlu on climbing Everest to raise the alarm on climate change".