Early Life
Ipek Kıraç was born in Istanbul, Turkey, on November 29, 1984. She was adopted by Inan and Suna Kıraç at a young age. She attended Koç School, graduating in 2002. Kıraç's academic journey led her to Brown University, where she studied Biology, graduating in 2007. She also earned a Master of Public Health degree from Brown University in 2011. During her studies at Brown University, she gained research experience at Cecil B. Day Laboratory for Neuromuscular Research at UMass Medical School, focusing on ALS.
Rise to Success
Ipek Kıraç's professional career began in 2012 when she became the CEO of Sirena Marine Maritime Industry and Trade Inc.. Under her leadership, Sirena Marine transformed from a contract manufacturer to a producer of luxury sail and motorboats, establishing its own brand. She was the CEO until 2021. The company expanded its production and became one of Turkey's top 500 exporting companies. Kıraç's leadership significantly increased the company's turnover and profitability. She currently serves as the Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Sirena Marine. Additionally, Ipek Kirac has been a member of the Koç Holding Board of Directors since 2016.
Key Business Strategies
Ipek Kıraç's business acumen is evident in her strategic approach to Sirena Marine. She focused on transforming the company into a producer of luxury boats, which included developing its own brand. This strategy led to significant growth in turnover and profitability. Her focus on production excellence and brand recognition also positioned Sirena Marine as a preferred supplier for defense and automotive projects. Kıraç's experience also includes board memberships in various companies and foundations, demonstrating her diversified business interests.
Philanthropy
Ipek Kıraç is actively involved in philanthropy. She founded the Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation. She launched the Suna'nin Kizlari (Suna's Daughters) education initiative to empower girls. She also established the SemtPati Foundation for stray animal welfare. These initiatives reflect her commitment to social responsibility and her passion for education and animal welfare.
