Early Life
Filiz Sahenk was born in Ankara, Turkey, in 1967, into a family that established one of Turkey's largest private-sector conglomerates, Doğuş Holding. Her father, Ayhan Sahenk, founded the company, and her mother is Deniz Sahenk. Filiz's upbringing was within a prominent business family, setting the stage for her future role in the family enterprise.
Rise to Success
Filiz Sahenk's career is closely tied to Dogus Holding, a diversified group with interests in various sectors. She took on the management of the fashion and tourism sectors within the holding. Dogus Holding represents numerous luxury brands in Turkey, including Gucci, Emporio Armani, and Tod's. The family's stake in Garanti Bank was a significant source of wealth, which was partially realized when the family sold its remaining shares in 2017.
Key Business Strategies
Filiz Sahenk's business approach includes overseeing the operations of luxury brands, tourism ventures, and other diverse investments within Dogus Holding. She focuses on maintaining and expanding the company's portfolio, with a focus on real estate, media, financial services, construction, autos, and restaurants. Her strategic initiatives have helped maintain Dogus Holding's position as a leading conglomerate in Turkey, with over 25 companies spanning multiple industries.
Philanthropy
Beyond her business leadership, Filiz Sahenk is actively involved in philanthropy. She serves as the President of the Ayhan Sahenk Foundation, named after her father, which supports various charitable causes. The foundation's initiatives focus on education, healthcare, and environmental conservation.