DenizBank General Manager Hakan Ateş Receives the "Adding Value to Türkiye Award"

This year's Adding Value to Türkiye Award, presented annually by Bahçeşehir University to individuals who contribute to Türkiye in many different fields, was given to DenizBank General Manager Hakan Ateş. 

DenizBank General Manager Hakan Ateş received the Adding Value to Türkiye Award, given by Bahçeşehir University for the fifth time this year to individuals who shape education and development and contribute to the country's economy, artistic heritage, promotion and recognition, for his value-creating work in the business world and in culture and the arts.

Previously presented to names such as former Turkcell CEO Süreyya Ciliv; Istanbul Museum of Modern Art Chair of the Board Oya Eczacıbaşı; renowned heart surgeon Dr. Mehmet Öz, recipient of awards such as "Third Most Influential Person of the Year," "Global Leader of Tomorrow" and "Doctor of the Year"; and Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of the yogurt company Chobani, the award was presented to Hakan Ateş this year at a ceremony held at the Bahçeşehir University Beşiktaş Campus.

Delivering the opening speech of the award ceremony, Bahçeşehir University (BAU) President Prof. Dr. Şenay Yalçın said: "Every year we honor a valuable name who adds value to our country. Mr. Hakan Ateş is one of the successful and productive figures our country has raised. By decision of our Selection Committee, we are pleased to present the Adding Value to Türkiye Award to Hakan Ateş, who has made it his principle to serve our country wholeheartedly throughout his professional career, for the innovative approaches he has brought to Turkish banking and his contributions to the arts."

Speaking after Prof. Dr. Şenay Yalçın, BAU Chairman of the Board of Trustees Enver Yücel stated that Türkiye's ability to reach the position it deserves depends on its ability to produce human capital, which he sees as the country's future. Yücel said: "As Bahçeşehir University, we not only contribute to this human capital with qualified graduates who provide high added value, but also continuously raise the bar with education quality that meets universal standards. Bahçeşehir University, which puts working for our country and moving it forward by educating young generations above all else, is also attentive to people who strive and make a difference for Türkiye in various fields, and presents the 'Adding Value to Türkiye Award.' As a university, we extend our thanks to Mr. Hakan Ateş for the contributions he has made and the value he has created throughout his life, both in Türkiye and abroad."

Stating that he accepted the Adding Value to Türkiye Award on behalf of more than 15,000 employees, DenizBank General Manager Hakan Ateş said: "As a professional, I am happy with the level our Bank has reached, having started from scratch and come this far. Through our activities, we reach out to people from all walks of life across Türkiye. We also embrace and support projects that will play a role in our country's sustainable development, such as the 3rd Bridge, the 3rd Airport, the Cyprus Peace Water project, Bilkent PPP and TAV Bodrum Airport. As an extension of our corporate citizenship approach, we invest in agriculture, sports, culture and the arts, and education, and we regard our work in these areas as a legacy we will leave for the future."

Stating that they draw on the needs of people and of Türkiye when setting their roadmaps in banking, Ateş continued: "We try to be part of projects that can address a real need or expectation and benefit our country. Our goal is to achieve work that even our grandchildren can be proud of."

Touching on the secrets of success in leadership, Ateş stated that adhering firmly to corporate governance principles, setting out vision and strategies clearly from the outset, making the philosophy of collective wisdom a practice of life, adopting the "people first" principle and never giving up in the face of difficulties pave the way to success.