Our Founders
Vehbi Koç
Vehbi Koç was born in Ankara in 1901, and completed his education at Ankara High School. He entered business life at the age of just 16, in 1917. While engaging in trade, he also obtained the Turkish representation of foreign companies such as Ford and Standard Oil.
Entering into contracting business as well, Vehbi Koç took the first step toward corporatization in 1938 and established Koç Trading Co. Inc. in Istanbul. In 1948, he facilitated General Electric’s establishment of a light bulb factory in Türkiye, and the factory, where he was a co-investor, started manufacturing in 1952.
In the 1950s, he realized domestic production of many products such as automotive, household appliances, radiators, electronic devices, textiles, matches, and other similar products. Türk Tractor, the first establishment of the Turkish automotive industry, began production in 1954. In the same year, the Turkish DemirDöküm Factory was established. These were followed by Arçelik, which was founded in 1955 and now is the largest private industrial company in our country, as well as Aygaz, founded in 1961, along with many other industrial enterprises.
Driven by his belief in institutionalization, Vehbi Koç established Koç Holding in 1963, becoming Türkiye's first holding company under the goal to manage his increasing number of industrial firms from a central hub and generate the best possible resources. The establishment of Koç Holding was followed by a series of new companies and business ventures. He achieved many firsts in a wide range of fields from the automotive sector to the Tat Tomato Paste Factory, which pioneered Türkiye’s agricultural potential.
While Koç Holding continued its work flow with professional managers, Vehbi Koç focused on social enterprises and foundation services. In 1967, inspired by a trip abroad, he led the establishment of the Turkish Education Foundation to direct ceremonial wreath donations toward education.
In 1969, he established the Vehbi Koç Foundation to operate in the fields of education, health, and culture. The foundation carried out numerous cultural, health, and educational projects. In 1980, the Sadberk Hanım Museum, Türkiye’s first private museum, was opened in memory of his late wife, Sadberk Hanım. Vehbi Koç Foundation Private High School began providing education in foreign language in 1987, and in 1993, Koç University also commenced its educational activities.
In 1984, Vehbi Koç retired, and until his passing in 1996, he focused more intensely on social activities. In addition to being a successful businessman, he was a true philanthropist who believed that every individual bears responsibility in addressing social issues. From the very beginning of his working life, he consistently assisted those in need and found great joy in helping them. As the years passed by, he took further steps toward establishing social facilities aimed at serving the community.
Suna Kıraç
Born in Ankara in 1941, Suna Kıraç graduated from Arnavutköy American Girls’ College and studied Banking and Finance at Boğaziçi University.
Suna Kıraç, who started her professional career in 1960 as an associate to Vehbi Koç, the founder of Koç Holding, took on roles such as Deputy Head of the Personnel and Administration Department and Vice Chairperson of the Executive Board in the subsequent years. She also pioneered the establishment of Koç University, The Koç School, and the Educational Volunteers Foundation of Türkiye.
Suna Kıraç was awarded the "State Medal of Distinguished Service" by the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Süleyman Demirel, on October 27, 1997, in recognition of her significant contributions to Türkiye's development in the fields of industry, education, culture, and art.
In the following years, she was honored in the fields of education and social services, first with the “Honorary Membership” by London Business School, then with the title of “Woman of the Year” by the Antalya Branch of the Turkish Association of University Women, and the Millennium Volunteers Outstanding Service Award by KASACOM, the National Women’s Health Commission of Voluntary Organizations.
Her book titled “I Have Ideals Longer Than My Life” that was published in 2006, and donated all its proceeds to TEGV (The Educational Volunteers Foundation of Türkiye), became one of the year’s best-selling books.
Suna Kıraç, who served as a Board Member of the Vehbi Koç Foundation, Chairperson of the Board of the Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Honorary Chairperson of the Board of The Koç School, a member of the Boards of Trustees of Koç University, the Turkish Education Foundation, the Family Planning Association of Türkiye, and Robert College, as well as a Founding Member and Chairperson of the Board of the Educational Volunteers Foundation, passed away on September 15, 2020.
Suna Kıraç, with her visionary character and leadership qualities throughout her life, left a lasting mark on the future, and became an inspiring role model for women in Türkiye.
