Murat YALÇINTAŞ

Founding Member

Known for his roles as president of various professional organizations, entrepreneur, and academic, Prof. Murat Yalçıntaş is a multifaceted civil leader who has served in numerous national and international institutions throughout his life.

Born on November 29, 1965, in Istanbul, Yalçıntaş completed his secondary and high school education at Saint Joseph French High School. He graduated from Boğaziçi University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1988 and later earned a master’s degree in business administration from a joint program of Boston University and Vrije Universiteit Brussels in 1990.

Murat Yalçıntaş began his professional career as a Project Manager at the Islamic Development Bank in Jeddah (1991–1994). Upon returning to Istanbul, he was elected as a member of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) Assembly in 1995 and became a board member of the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen’s Association (MÜSİAD) in 1996. Entering politics, Yalçıntaş served as Vice Chairman of the Istanbul Provincial Branch of the Virtue Party (Fazilet Partisi) in 1998, a Founding Member of the Justice and Development Party (AK Parti) in 2001, and Vice Chairman of the AK Parti Istanbul Provincial Branch between 2001 and 2005.

In 2005, Yalçıntaş stepped away from all political roles after being elected Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, a position he held for two terms until 2013. During this period, he also served as a Trustee at Istanbul Commerce University (ITICU) and as Vice Chairman of the Board at Istanbul World Trade Center (IDTM). Additionally, he was elected President of the Association of Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASCAME) in 2007 and Vice President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) in 2009.

In 2007, Yalçıntaş received his doctorate in business administration from Istanbul University. After stepping down as ITO Chairman in 2013, he decided to focus on education and academic work. He began teaching at Istanbul Ticaret University as an assistant professor, sharing his expertise with younger generations.

In 2016, Yalçıntaş became an Associate Professor at Istanbul Ticaret University and served as the Director of the Foreign Trade Institute between 2017 and 2021. He conducted research on strategic management, leadership, innovation, and game theory, published articles in national and international peer-reviewed journals, contributed to scientific books, spoke at conferences, and supervised master’s and doctoral theses.

Yalçıntaş is also the author of four books inspired by his experiences in business and leadership: “Dünden Yarına Bugünün Sözleri” (Today’s Words from Yesterday to Tomorrow), “Bende Kalmasın” (Let Me Not Keep It), “Zor Zamanda Geleceği Kurmak” (Building the Future in Difficult Times), and “Stratejik Yönetim ve KOBİ’ler” (Strategic Management and SMEs).

He has held several significant roles, including President of the Tourism Development and Education Foundation (TUGEV, 2006-2013), Vice Chairman of the Board of Technopark Istanbul Inc. (2010–2013), Board Member of the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) (2012–2014), and Trustee Board Member at Istinye University (2017–2019) and Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University (2019–2022). He is currently a member of the Founders’ Board of the İlim Yayma Foundation (İYV).

In June 2021, Yalçıntaş earned the title of Professor at Istanbul Ticaret University. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed CEO of BMC Automotive Industry and Trade Inc., a position he held until January 2024. During the same period, he also served as a Board Member of TOGG (Turkey’s Automobile Initiative Group). After leaving BMC, Yalçıntaş returned to academia, teaching graduate and doctoral courses at Istanbul Ticaret University.

Prof. Murat Yalçıntaş has received numerous prestigious awards, including the King Leopold II High Merit Medal (Belgium, 2012), the Legion of Honor (France, 2010), the Order of Merit Commendatore (Italy, 2010), an Honorary Professorship from the Kyrgyz Presidential Academy (2009), the Istanbul Exporters’ Association Export Service Honor Award (2008), and the Istanbul Governor’s Office Honor Award (2008).

Apart from his roles as an academic, businessperson, and leader of professional organizations, Yalçıntaş is an avid athlete, embracing sports as a philosophy of life. He believes sports are essential for overcoming challenges in all areas of life. He is a licensed athlete in mountaineering (Kilimanjaro summit, Everest base camp, Mount Ararat summit), triathlon (Ironman 70.3), athletics (marathon and ultramarathon), equestrian endurance, and open-water swimming, having participated in numerous national and international competitions.

Today, Yalçıntaş continues to inspire through his academic career, outdoor activities, and travels. Married with three children, he is fluent in English and French and has intermediate proficiency in German and Arabic.