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“ My father always taught me that, as a successful businessperson, you have a responsibility to raise the standard of life in the communities you are involved in.
In 1994, Kocabiyik was named Vice Chair- man and CEO of the Borusan Group, and in 2001 he became the company’s Chairman of the Board. Under his direction, the Borusan Group has grown into a $4.5 billion industrial enterprise involved in steel sheet and pipe production, electricity generation, logistics, and distribution. A world leader, Borusan has operations in six countries and exports products to 35 countries, including the United States. Its business part- ners include such prestigious names as BMW, Land Rover, Arcelor/Mittal, EnBW, Mannesmann, and Caterpillar.
Creating a Culture of Philanthropy While Ahmet Kocabiyik is recognized as a leader in the international steel industry, he might actually be better known as a global champion of philanthropy.
“My father always taught me that, as a successful businessperson, you have a responsibility to raise the standard of life in the communities you are involved in,” says Kocabiyik. “Based on this tradition, the Borusan Group builds local schools, manages our own classical philharmonic orchestra in Istanbul, and educates talented musicians. We have our own corporate contemporary art collection, which is open to the public. We run an art residency program, publish art books, and support local archaeology initiatives.” One of Borusan’s greatest archaeological
efforts has been excavating the site of Ephesus, an ancient Greek city located in modern-day Turkey that is more than 10,000 years old. The company’s Ephesus Foundation funds efforts to excavate and preserve these ruins, which attract more than two million visitors each year. In all, the Borusan Group invests $10 to $15 million annually in philanthropic activities. In recognition of these efforts, in 2009 Kocabiyik received the annual Gold Medal awarded by the Kennedy Center International Committee on the Arts. This prestigious honor recognizes his
longtime charitable work in supporting art, classical music, and the culture and heritage of Istanbul.
“It is among the primary social responsibilities of Borusan to contribute to the development of arts and culture in our country,” says Kocabiyik. “At Borusan, we believe that arts and culture are fundamental components of Turkey’s journey toward modernization—and that they can serve as a bridge among cultures with their universal language.”
Combining Professional and Personal Success
While Kocabiyik does not often have the opportu- nity to return to Pittsburgh, he closely follows the city—and the Carnegie Mellon campus—from afar. “If I were to offer any advice to the young engineers at Carnegie Mellon, it would be to work hard at their studies, so that they can apply the right tools to understand their environment,” says Kocabiyik. “My own Carnegie Mellon education continues to serve me well.”
“I would also advise young engineers to have a secondary interest which is equally important to them,” he adds. “This interest may lie in business, art, psychology, or other social topics.” In addi- tion to his many cultural endeavors, Kocabiyik’s diverse interests include off-road motorcycling, power boating, and travel. Kocabiyik’s own children are following in his footsteps—and preparing for the family’s next generation of success. Son Levent attended Northeastern University and began working for the Borusan Group two years ago. Daughter Defne is completing her undergraduate degree at New York University, majoring in economics and psychology.•
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From left to right: Zeynep, Ahmet, Defne, and Levent Kocabiyik
CARNEGIE MECH
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