Early Life
Erman Ilıcak was born on October 3, 1967, in Darende, Malatya, Turkey. He completed his secondary and high school education at TED Ankara College in 1985. From a young age, he was driven and ambitious, showing an aptitude for business and a strong work ethic, influenced by his businessman father. This upbringing instilled in him the entrepreneurial spirit that would later define his career. Ilicak graduated from the Middle East Technical University's Department of Civil Engineering in 1990.
Rise to Success
Ilıcak began his professional journey by founding Rönesans Holding in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1993, while still a student. He started with a small capital. Under his leadership, Rönesans Holding has grown into a global conglomerate with operations in construction, real estate, health, energy, and petrochemical fields across 28 countries, employing over 75,000 people. In 2002, he earned an MBA from the Vienna University of Economics and Business and the University of Minnesota. He expanded Rönesans Holding's growth strategy into various sectors, including construction, real estate, energy, and healthcare. His strategic vision and ability to combine international financing with construction experience were key factors in the company's success. He was the Chairman of the Board of Rönesans Holding until 2014, then became President Emeritus.
Key Business Strategies
Ilıcak's business acumen is evident in his strategic decisions. He expanded the company's operations internationally and formed partnerships with leading global organizations. He emphasized diversification across six different business areas to ensure resilience and sustainable growth. Key acquisitions, such as Ballast Nedam in the Netherlands, accelerated Rönesans Holding's expansion in Europe. By 2016, he had sold a 5% stake in Rönesans to the IFC, valuing the company at $4.3 billion.
Philanthropy
Ilıcak is deeply committed to philanthropy, especially in education. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Rönesans Education Foundation (REV), established in 2009. Through the REV Scholarship Program, thousands of students have received scholarships. He co-founded TED Rönesans Koleji in 2014, demonstrating his dedication to education and youth development. He also supports sustainability research and environmental initiatives, contributing financially to ensure over 100,000 students in Türkiye receive education under better conditions.
