Billionaire Profile
Deniz Sahenk
Global Rank
#2627

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Deniz Sahenk

CEO, Garanti BBVA
TR
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.3B
As of December 2025
Age
80
Source
Diversified
Industry
diversified
Citizenship
TR

Biography

Deniz Sahenk, at 80 years old, is a Turkish businesswoman primarily known as the widow of Ayhan Sahenk, the founder of Doğuş Holding. Her source of wealth is diversified, stemming from her late husband's business ventures, which span various sectors including finance, media, tourism, and real estate. While she doesn't hold an active role in the conglomerate, her financial standing is significant. In 2015, she was ranked as one of the world's richest individuals by Forbes, with a net worth of $1.3 billion. Her career has been intertwined with Doğuş Holding, one of Turkey's largest corporations. She is also a shareholder of Garanti BBVA, where most of her fortune derives. Her children, Ferit and Filiz Sahenk, are also billionaires.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Deniz Sahenk was born in Ankara, Turkey, in 1946. She is the widow of Ayhan Sahenk, the founder of Doğuş Holding, who passed away in 2001. Her early life and upbringing took place in Turkey.

Rise to Success

Deniz Sahenk's wealth and prominence are linked to her marriage to Ayhan Sahenk. Ayhan Sahenk founded Doğuş Holding, a major Turkish conglomerate. Although she does not have an active role in the company, her financial standing is notable. The family's wealth largely comes from Garanti BBVA.

Key Business Strategies

The Sahenk family's business strategy involves diversification across multiple sectors. Doğuş Holding has interests in tourism, real estate, media, financial services, construction, autos, and restaurants. The sale of Garanti Bank shares to BBVA in 2017 for $900 million, demonstrates their active portfolio management. Dogus Holding has also been deleveraging by selling off some of its assets.

Philanthropy

Information regarding Deniz Sahenk's specific philanthropic initiatives is not readily available in the search results.

Career Milestones

2001

Inherited Wealth

Inherited the fortune from her late husband, Ayhan Sahenk, founder of Dogus Holding.

2017

Sale of Garanti Bank Shares

The family sold its remaining 10% stake in Garanti Bank to BBVA.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Information not found.

Information not found.

Undisclosed

Information not found.