Mustafa Vehbi Koç (October 29, 1960 – January 21, 2016) was a Turkish businessman and a third generation member of the Koç family. He is best known as the chairman of Koç Holding, a position he held from 2003 until his death in 2016.
Koç was married to Caroline Giraud and was father of two daughters Esra Marianne Çiğdem Koç and Aylin Elif Koç.[2][1]
Professional career
After graduation, Koç started working as a Consultant at Tofaş. Continuing his career as sales manager and later as assistant general manager for Sales at Ram Dış Ticaret, in 1992, he joined Koç Holding to serve as vice president.[2]
Working at Koç Holding, Turkey's largest industrial conglomerate and the only Turkish company listed in Fortune 500,[3][1] for all of his career, Koç became a board member in 2001. Assuming the responsibility as vice chairman the following year, he took over the position of chairman from Rahmi Koç, his retired father, in 2003.[3][1] Mustafa Koç was also the chairman for the High Advisory Council to TÜSİAD, the Turkish Industry and Business Association, between 2003 until 2015.[2] Between 2006 and 2013, he held office as Honorary Consul for Finland, as well as being a member of Council for Foreign Economic Affairs for the Istanbul Chamber of Industry. Koç also held various international positions during his career, including positions in JP Morgan’s International Council, Rolls-Royce International’s Advisory Board, and Bilderberg Meetings’ Executive Board.[4] He was awarded the Cavaliere D’Industria medal by the Italian government in 2005.[2]
Death and legacy
Mustafa Koç suffered a heart attack during a fitness exercise at his home and died on January 21, 2016.[2][1] He was buried at Zincirlikuyu Cemetery next to his grandfather's grave.[3] A documentary film titled "Dreams and Memories" about the legacy of Mustafa Koç was produced in 2017.[5]
