Two days of plenaries, roundtables and panels that carry the COP31 Business Forum's work from ambition to delivery.
Sarp KalkanCEO, COP31 Business Forum
Laurence TubianaCEO, European Climate Foundation
Jennifer DlouhySenior Reporter, Bloomberg News
Elif Bilgi ZapparoliHead of International Client Strategy, Member of Executive Committee, Bank of America
Batu YiğitPartner, BCG
Sean MacHaleSenior Partner, EY - Finance
Edmond Rhys JonesPartner & Director, BCG
Alexis TrittipoPartner, McKinsey & Company, New York
Amy BrachioCEO, Carbon Measures
Ussal ŞahbazPolicy Adviser, COP31 Business Forum
María MendiluceChief Executive Officer, We Mean Business Coalition
Myron BrilliantSenior Adviser to TOBB, Founder and CEO of BIG
Clara BarbyInternational Co-Chair, Senior Partner / Generation Investment Management / Just Climate
Aykan GökbulutManaging Director & Senior Partner, BCG
Programme details to follow
M. Rifat HisarcıklıoğluPresident, Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB)
Bernhard LorentzManaging Partner, Global Climate & Infrastructure Leader, Deloitte
Karel LeeflangSenior Partner, E&Y
Shruti BadriPartner, McKinsey
Michel FrédeauSenior Advisor, BCG
Ajay Banga is the President of the World Bank Group, beginning his five-year term on June 2, 2023. He stepped into the role with a clear mandate: to transform the 80-year-old institution into a faster, more efficient, and more impactful partner in development.
Since taking office, Ajay has led the adoption of a new vision and mission for the World Bank: to create a world free of poverty—on a livable planet. Under his leadership, the Bank has undertaken a broad set of reforms to boost lending capacity, simplify operations, and deliver development solutions that are practical, scalable, and impactful. He has prioritized a more agile institution—one that is easier to work with and focused on getting results.
At the core of Ajay’s agenda is a belief that job creation is the most powerful driver of development—offering not just income, but dignity and purpose. That conviction has helped shape new efforts to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030, expand access to quality and affordable healthcare for 1.5 billion people, and develop a modern approach to agribusiness that can drive growth, improve food security, and create economic opportunity.
Ajay has also brought renewed focus to harnessing the power of the private sector. He has strengthened collaboration with development partners, philanthropies, and investors, and launched the Private Sector Investment Lab—bringing together leading CEOs and asset managers to tackle the barriers holding back private capital in emerging markets. His approach reflects a fundamental shift: development progress at scale cannot be achieved without the innovation, financing, and execution capabilities of the private sector.
Prior to joining the World Bank, Ajay was Vice Chairman at General Atlantic and, before that, President and CEO of Mastercard. There, he led a global workforce of nearly 24,000 and made financial inclusion a core part of the company’s strategy. He also founded the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth to advance equitable and sustainable economic opportunity.
Ajay’s leadership extends beyond the private sector. He served as Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce (2020–2022), and has held board roles with the American Red Cross, Kraft Foods, and Dow Inc. He is also a co-founder of the Cyber Readiness Institute. His contributions have earned wide recognition, including the Singapore Public Service Star award (2022), the Padma Shri from the President of India (2016), the Foreign Policy Association Medal (2012), and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
As President of the World Bank Group, Ajay Banga is reshaping the institution to meet the defining challenges of our time—with urgency, ambition, and a relentless focus on delivering results.
Carlos was appointed Chairman of BBVA and the BBVA Foundation in December 2018. He joined BBVA in September 2008 as Head of Strategy and Corporate Development, and member of the bank's Management Committee. In March 2014 he was appointed Head of Digital Banking and in May 2015 he became Chief Executive Officer. Previously, he worked at McKinsey & Company for 12 years, and became a partner of the firm in 1997. He joined Endesa in 2002 as Corporate Director of Strategy and member of its Executive Committee, and became company Chief Financial Officer in 2007. He is a member of the International Business Council of the World Economic Forum, and he represents BBVA in several international fora as well as in non-for-profit organizations that support social, educational, cultural and scientific activities. Carlos graduated with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering (MIT) and a B.S. in Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he later also earned a M.S. at the MIT Sloan School of Management. He also graduated in Law from UNED (Spain).
Laurence Tubiana is CEO of the European Climate Foundation (ECF) and a professor at Sciences Po, Paris. She previously chaired the Board of Governors at the French Development Agency (AFD), as well as the Board at Expertise France (the French public agency for international technical assistance). Before joining the ECF, Laurence was France’s Climate Change Ambassador and Special Representative for COP21, and as such a key architect of the landmark Paris Agreement. Following COP21 and through COP22, she was appointed UN High-Level Champion for climate action.
Laurence brings decades of expertise and experience in climate change, energy, agriculture and sustainable development, working across government, think tanks, NGOs and academia. She started her career as a Research Director for the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA). In the 80’s and early 90’s she founded and then led Solagral, an NGO working on food security and the global environment. She founded in 2002 and directed until 2014 the Paris-based Institute of Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI). From 1997 to 2002, she served as Senior Adviser on the Environment to the French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin. From 2009 to 2010, she created and then led the newly established Directorate for Global Public Goods at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE). In 2013, she chaired the French National Debate on the Energy Transition. In 2018, President Macron appointed her to France’s High Council on Climate Change.
Throughout the years, Laurence has held several academic positions, including as a Professor and Scientific Director for the International Development and Environmental Studies Master degrees at Sciences Po, Paris; and Professor of International Affairs at Columbia University, New York. She has been a member of numerous boards and scientific committees, including the Chinese Committee on the Environment and International Development (CCICED), and currently sits on advisory boards such as Iberdrola.
Sadiq Khan was elected for a second term as Mayor of London in May 2021. He was previously an MP for Tooting, South London for 11 years and served as Shadow Secretary of State for Justice from May 2010 and Shadow Minister for London from 2013.
Mayor Khan has declared a climate emergency and described it as one of the biggest threats we face today. In response, he has set an ambition for London to be net zero by 2030. He has also committed to a Green New Deal for London and to ensuring that there is a just transition in the capital from fossil fuel intensive industries to climate solutions.
Peter Bakker is a distinguished business leader, who since 2012, has led the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) as the President & CEO. WBCSD is the premier global, CEO-led community of over 240 of the world’s leading sustainable businesses working collectively to accelerate the system transformations needed for a net zero, nature-positive, and equitable future. Prior to WBCSD, Peter was the CEO of TNT NV, the global transport, postal and logistics company.
TIME Magazine recently named Peter as one of the Top 100 Climate Leaders in Business. He was also a recipient of the Clinton Global Citizen Award (2009), the Sustainability Leadership Award (2010) and the Prix Voltaire International (2023). He received the royal order Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau in 2018 in recognition of his long-lasting commitment to engaging business in tackling global sustainability issues.
Peter holds several corporate sustainability advisory board positions, including as Co-Chair of the Business Commission to Tackle Inequality, Board Member of GenZero, Advisory Board Member for Integrity and Sustainability at Mercedes-Benz Group, Supervisory Board Member for the Capitals Coalition and High-Level Advisory Board Member for the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UN FSS+4).
Dr Andrew Forrest AO is an entrepreneur, scientist and business leader committed to ending fossil fuel use, accelerating green energy, and addressing humanity's most pressing challenges with data and science-driven solutions.
In 2003, Dr Forrest founded Fortescue, growing it from a small exploration company into one of the world's leading miners and infrastructure operators, and Australia's most successful company for shareholder returns.
The scale and success of Fortescue provided the platform for Dr Forrest to establish Minderoo Foundation, now Australia's largest philanthropy, and Tattarang, one of the country's largest private investment groups.
Minderoo Foundation is underpinned by a $9 billion endowment, and over the past two decades, has invested in world-leading research and advocacy programs across global challenges including climate and ocean science, humanitarian relief, and the safe governance of emerging technologies.
Through Tattarang, Dr Forrest
invests in sectors critical to national resilience and long-term prosperity. These include renewable energy, battery metals, high-performance shipbuilding, iconic Australian brands, medical technology, agri-food, and property. The group is guided by the principle: using capital as a force for good.
Dr Forrest holds a PhD in Marine Ecology and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his distinguished service to philanthropy, mining, employment, and sustainable foreign investment.
Dr Forrest is a board member of Harvard's Salata Institute Advisory Board (SIAB), a member of the Giving Pledge and the Council on Foreign Relations Global Board of Advisors. In 2025, he was named one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People in the world.
David Blood is the Senior Partner of Generation Investment Management. Previously, David spent 18 years at Goldman Sachs including serving as CEO of Goldman Sachs Asset Management. David received a BA from Hamilton College and an MBA from Harvard Business School, and is Chair of the World Resources Institute.
Michel Frédeau founded BCG's Climate and Sustainability (C&S) impact area globally and is currently leading C&S Global Partnerships (COP'S, HLC, WEF, ...).
Michel has over 35 years of consulting experience in the energy, industrial goods, consumer goods, and retail industries, working across issues related to vision, strategy, governance, and large global transformation programs. His work also includes a focus on sustainability, leadership development, culture and change management.
Michel joined the Paris office of The Boston Consulting Group in 1985. He was the Head of the Paris office from 2000 to 2007, and a member of BCG's Executive Committee, leading the Global HR function from 2007 to 2012.
In addition to driving BCG's C&S strategy and agenda, Michel leads several flagship programs related to the topic. These include:
BCG's collaboration with the World Economic Forum on the state of global climate action and the net-zero challenge, the First Mover Coaltion and Mission Possible BCG's strategic support for the COP 26 unit, the COP 27 and COP 28 and the High Level Champion, with a focus on non-state actors (business and industry, across sectors) Partnership with Standard setting NGO's such as SBTI and CDP Engagement with several climate action initiatives to help companies understand how to overcome barriers to decarbonizing their operations and value chains across
industries
Lead the BCG delegation at global Climate events (COPs, Climate weeks, Davos...), extensive Marketing activities (High level panels, industry workshops, Media relations) Initiated discussions with possible acquisitions candidates, resulting in Quantis acquisition (September 2022)
Michel is a graduate of the École Nationale de la Statistique et de l'Administration Économique and holds an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu is a prominent Turkish businessman and the long-serving President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB). Born in 1959 in Ankara, he is a central figure in shaping Turkey's economic landscape and representing the Turkish private sector on the global stage.
Early Life and Education Hisarcıklıoğlu completed his primary and secondary education at the prestigious TED Ankara College. He then pursued higher education at Gazi University in Ankara, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Economics and Management. Coming from a family with established roots in trade and enterprise, he transitioned directly into the business world following his graduation, gaining early hands-on experience in the private sector.
Career and Industry Contributions In his private business life, Hisarcıklıoğlu is the Chairman of the Board of Eskihisar Group, a conglomerate with investments in construction, building materials, automotive, food, and international trade. However, his most significant impact has been through his institutional leadership. Since being elected President of TOBB in 2001, he has spearheaded numerous initiatives to modernize Turkish trade, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and improve the country's investment climate.
He played a critical role in the realization of TOGG, Turkey's first domestic electric vehicle manufacturer, where he serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. On the international stage, Hisarcıklıoğlu holds several high-profile positions, including Vice President of EUROCHAMBRES (Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry), Vice President of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (ICCIA), and Board Member of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). In recognition of his efforts to foster global economic diplomacy, he has received numerous state decorations, including the French Legion of Honour, the Gold Medal of Merit from Austria, and the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
Personal Life and Interests Hisarcıklıoğlu is married and the father of three children. As a public figure, he is known for his near-constant travel across Turkey's provinces to engage directly with local business owners and tradesmen. Beyond his commercial ventures, he is a strong and vocal advocate for expanding vocational education, establishing educational facilities across Turkey, and promoting female and youth entrepreneurship within the national economy.
Murat Kurum is a prominent Turkish politician, civil engineer, and government official, serving as the Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. Born in 1976 in Ankara, he has been a central figure in Turkey's urban development, mass housing projects, and disaster recovery efforts over the past decade.
Early Life and Education Born and raised in Ankara, Kurum completed his primary and secondary education in the capital. He pursued higher education at Selçuk University in Konya, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering in 1999. Following his graduation, he began his career in the private sector, working as an engineer and site manager on various construction projects between 1999 and 2005.
Career and Political Contributions Kurum’s public sector career took off in 2005 when he joined TOKİ (Housing Development Administration of Turkey) as an expert. His administrative success led to his appointment as the General Manager of Emlak Konut GYO in 2009. During his nearly decade-long tenure there, he oversaw massive residential developments and urban transformation projects, making the company one of the largest real estate investment trusts in Turkey.
In 2018, with Turkey's transition to a presidential system, Kurum was appointed as the Minister of Environment and Urbanization (later expanded to include Climate Change). In this role, he spearheaded nationwide social housing campaigns, urban renewal initiatives, and the government's rapid reconstruction efforts following major natural disasters, including floods, wildfires, and the devastating February 2023 earthquakes. After serving as a Member of Parliament for Istanbul in 2023 and running as the AK Party's mayoral candidate for Istanbul in the March 2024 local elections, he was re-appointed to his cabinet position as the Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change later that year.
Personal Life and Interests Murat Kurum is married and the father of three children. Throughout his tenure as a minister, he has been known for a highly field-oriented and hands-on working style, frequently spending time in disaster zones and construction sites across Turkey's provinces rather than remaining in Ankara.
Cevdet Yılmaz is a Turkish politician and technocrat currently serving as the Vice President of Turkey. Born in 1967 in the eastern province of Bingöl, he has been a central figure in Turkey's economic management, strategic planning, and regional development over the last two decades.
Early Life and Education Born and raised in Bingöl, Yılmaz excelled academically from a young age. He graduated from the prestigious Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara in 1988, earning a bachelor's degree in Public Administration as the valedictorian of his department. He subsequently traveled to the United States to complete a master's degree in International Relations at the University of Denver. Later in his career, he furthered his academic credentials by earning a Ph.D. in Political Science and Public Administration from Bilkent University.
Career and Political Contributions Yılmaz began his professional career in 1989 as an expert at the State Planning Organization (DPT), which was Turkey's premier economic planning agency. Over the years, he rose through the ranks to become a general director, where he was deeply involved in managing the country's relations with the European Union and structural reform agendas.
He transitioned into politics in 2007 when he was elected to the Grand National Assembly as a Member of Parliament for Bingöl representing the AK Party. Relying on his strong technocratic background, he served extensively as the Minister of Development in multiple cabinets. In this role, he focused on reducing regional disparities and accelerating large-scale infrastructure and economic initiatives, such as the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) and the Eastern Anatolia Project (DAP). He also briefly served as Deputy Prime Minister.
Following the May 2023 elections, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan appointed Yılmaz as the Vice President of Turkey. In this high-profile executive role, he is tasked with coordinating the government's economic team, spearheading Turkey's Medium-Term Economic Program (OVP), and driving efforts to maintain macroeconomic stability and combat inflation.
Personal Life and Interests Cevdet Yılmaz is married and the father of two children. In the often-polarized landscape of Turkish politics, he is widely recognized and respected across party lines for his mild-mannered demeanor, academic discipline, and data-driven, technocratic approach to governance.
Harsh Pati Singhania is the Chairman and Managing Director of JK Paper Limited and a prominent industrialist within the JK Organisation, one of India's leading business conglomerates. Born in 1961 to Bharat Hari Singhania, he is a key executive continuing the legacy of his family's established business empire.
Early Life and Education Growing up in Kolkata, Singhania stepped into the business world at a very early age. During his high school years, he gained practical experience by visiting and observing various industrial operations, ranging from jute mills to steel plants. He learned the fundamentals of commerce—from accounting to factory floor operations—by attending school in the mornings and working shifts in the afternoons. He completed his undergraduate studies in Commerce at St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, before moving to the United States to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Massachusetts. His educational background also includes degrees and executive education from prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School, Jesus College (Cambridge), and IMD Business School in Switzerland.
Career and Industry Contributions Singhania's career is centered around JK Paper Limited. Under his leadership, the company has focused heavily on modernization, capacity expansion, and long-term sustainability. It has solidified its position as a pioneer in the Indian paper industry through extensive social forestry programs and eco-friendly, "water-positive" manufacturing standards. He is widely recognized for his operational discipline and stable strategies in navigating volatile commodity markets.
Beyond his own company, Singhania has taken on significant leadership roles representing the broader Indian business community. He has served as the President of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), President of the All India Management Association (AIMA), and held senior positions within the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) India. He also continues to serve as an independent director for various corporations, including Graphite India.
Personal Life and Interests Married with three sons, Singhania counts reading, golf, and automobiles among his primary interests. He is particularly well-known for his deep passion for classic and vintage cars, frequently participating in rallies and winning awards for his collection of rare automobiles.
M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu is a prominent Turkish businessman and the long-serving President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB). Born in 1959 in Ankara, he is a central figure in shaping Turkey's economic landscape and representing the Turkish private sector on the global stage.
Early Life and Education Hisarcıklıoğlu completed his primary and secondary education at the prestigious TED Ankara College. He then pursued higher education at Gazi University in Ankara, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Economics and Management. Coming from a family with established roots in trade and enterprise, he transitioned directly into the business world following his graduation, gaining early hands-on experience in the private sector.
Career and Industry Contributions In his private business life, Hisarcıklıoğlu is the Chairman of the Board of Eskihisar Group, a conglomerate with investments in construction, building materials, automotive, food, and international trade. However, his most significant impact has been through his institutional leadership. Since being elected President of TOBB in 2001, he has spearheaded numerous initiatives to modernize Turkish trade, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and improve the country's investment climate.
He played a critical role in the realization of TOGG, Turkey's first domestic electric vehicle manufacturer, where he serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. On the international stage, Hisarcıklıoğlu holds several high-profile positions, including Vice President of EUROCHAMBRES (Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry), Vice President of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (ICCIA), and Board Member of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). In recognition of his efforts to foster global economic diplomacy, he has received numerous state decorations, including the French Legion of Honour, the Gold Medal of Merit from Austria, and the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
Personal Life and Interests Hisarcıklıoğlu is married and the father of three children. As a public figure, he is known for his near-constant travel across Turkey's provinces to engage directly with local business owners and tradesmen. Beyond his commercial ventures, he is a strong and vocal advocate for expanding vocational education, establishing educational facilities across Turkey, and promoting female and youth entrepreneurship within the national economy.
Clara Barby CBE is a globally recognized leader in sustainable finance, impact investing, and climate action. She currently serves as the Senior Partner of Just Climate, a climate-led investment business dedicated to driving institutional capital toward solutions that generate high-impact climate mitigation. Early Life and Education Barby built a strong academic foundation before entering the financial and sustainability sectors. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Greats (Classics) from the University of Oxford. To complement her humanities background with advanced financial and strategic expertise, she later obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from INSEAD, one of the world's leading business schools.Career and Industry Contributions Barby’s career has been heavily focused on integrating environmental and social impact into global investment markets. Early in her career, she worked on the Capital Markets team at Acumen, where she co-led the firm's renewable energy investment portfolio. She then spent several years at Bridges Fund Management, where she became a Partner and spearheaded the firm's impact measurement and ESG strategy. She gained major international prominence as the Chief Executive Officer of the Impact Management Project (IMP). In this role, she led a global network of standard-setters and financial institutions to establish a consensus on how enterprises and investors should measure, assess, and report on their environmental and social impacts. Building on the success of the IMP, she served as the Project Lead for the establishment of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) under the IFRS Foundation. This landmark initiative was designed to create a comprehensive global baseline of sustainability-related disclosure standards for capital markets worldwide.Honors and Civic Leadership In recognition of her profound influence on the global financial system and corporate transparency, Barby was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2023 King's New Year Honours list for her pivotal services to International Sustainability Standards. Beyond her executive roles, she remains highly active in global environmental advocacy and serves as a Member of the Global Board of Directors for the World Resources Institute (WRI).
Clara Barby CBE is a globally recognized leader in sustainable finance, impact investing, and climate action. She currently serves as the Senior Partner of Just Climate, a climate-led investment business dedicated to driving institutional capital toward solutions that generate high-impact climate mitigation. Early Life and Education Barby built a strong academic foundation before entering the financial and sustainability sectors. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Greats (Classics) from the University of Oxford. To complement her humanities background with advanced financial and strategic expertise, she later obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from INSEAD, one of the world's leading business schools.Career and Industry Contributions Barby’s career has been heavily focused on integrating environmental and social impact into global investment markets. Early in her career, she worked on the Capital Markets team at Acumen, where she co-led the firm's renewable energy investment portfolio. She then spent several years at Bridges Fund Management, where she became a Partner and spearheaded the firm's impact measurement and ESG strategy. She gained major international prominence as the Chief Executive Officer of the Impact Management Project (IMP). In this role, she led a global network of standard-setters and financial institutions to establish a consensus on how enterprises and investors should measure, assess, and report on their environmental and social impacts. Building on the success of the IMP, she served as the Project Lead for the establishment of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) under the IFRS Foundation. This landmark initiative was designed to create a comprehensive global baseline of sustainability-related disclosure standards for capital markets worldwide.Honors and Civic Leadership In recognition of her profound influence on the global financial system and corporate transparency, Barby was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2023 King's New Year Honours list for her pivotal services to International Sustainability Standards. Beyond her executive roles, she remains highly active in global environmental advocacy and serves as a Member of the Global Board of Directors for the World Resources Institute (WRI).
Clara Barby CBE is a globally recognized leader in sustainable finance, impact investing, and climate action. She currently serves as the Senior Partner of Just Climate, a climate-led investment business dedicated to driving institutional capital toward solutions that generate high-impact climate mitigation. Early Life and Education Barby built a strong academic foundation before entering the financial and sustainability sectors. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Greats (Classics) from the University of Oxford. To complement her humanities background with advanced financial and strategic expertise, she later obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from INSEAD, one of the world's leading business schools.Career and Industry Contributions Barby’s career has been heavily focused on integrating environmental and social impact into global investment markets. Early in her career, she worked on the Capital Markets team at Acumen, where she co-led the firm's renewable energy investment portfolio. She then spent several years at Bridges Fund Management, where she became a Partner and spearheaded the firm's impact measurement and ESG strategy. She gained major international prominence as the Chief Executive Officer of the Impact Management Project (IMP). In this role, she led a global network of standard-setters and financial institutions to establish a consensus on how enterprises and investors should measure, assess, and report on their environmental and social impacts. Building on the success of the IMP, she served as the Project Lead for the establishment of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) under the IFRS Foundation. This landmark initiative was designed to create a comprehensive global baseline of sustainability-related disclosure standards for capital markets worldwide.Honors and Civic Leadership In recognition of her profound influence on the global financial system and corporate transparency, Barby was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2023 King's New Year Honours list for her pivotal services to International Sustainability Standards. Beyond her executive roles, she remains highly active in global environmental advocacy and serves as a Member of the Global Board of Directors for the World Resources Institute (WRI).
M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu is a prominent Turkish businessman and the long-serving President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB). Born in 1959 in Ankara, he is a central figure in shaping Turkey's economic landscape and representing the Turkish private sector on the global stage.
Early Life and Education Hisarcıklıoğlu completed his primary and secondary education at the prestigious TED Ankara College. He then pursued higher education at Gazi University in Ankara, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Economics and Management. Coming from a family with established roots in trade and enterprise, he transitioned directly into the business world following his graduation, gaining early hands-on experience in the private sector.
Career and Industry Contributions In his private business life, Hisarcıklıoğlu is the Chairman of the Board of Eskihisar Group, a conglomerate with investments in construction, building materials, automotive, food, and international trade. However, his most significant impact has been through his institutional leadership. Since being elected President of TOBB in 2001, he has spearheaded numerous initiatives to modernize Turkish trade, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and improve the country's investment climate.
He played a critical role in the realization of TOGG, Turkey's first domestic electric vehicle manufacturer, where he serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. On the international stage, Hisarcıklıoğlu holds several high-profile positions, including Vice President of EUROCHAMBRES (Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry), Vice President of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (ICCIA), and Board Member of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). In recognition of his efforts to foster global economic diplomacy, he has received numerous state decorations, including the French Legion of Honour, the Gold Medal of Merit from Austria, and the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
Personal Life and Interests Hisarcıklıoğlu is married and the father of three children. As a public figure, he is known for his near-constant travel across Turkey's provinces to engage directly with local business owners and tradesmen. Beyond his commercial ventures, he is a strong and vocal advocate for expanding vocational education, establishing educational facilities across Turkey, and promoting female and youth entrepreneurship within the national economy.