Billionaire Profile
Sefik Yilmaz Dizdar
Global Rank
#2318

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Sefik Yilmaz Dizdar

CEO, LC Waikiki
TR
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.61B
As of December 2025
Age
87
Source
Fashion retail
Industry
fashion-retail
Citizenship
TR

Biography

Sefik Yilmaz Dizdar, born in 1938, is a Turkish billionaire renowned for his contributions to the fashion retail industry. His primary source of wealth stems from his partnership in LC Waikiki, a leading global fashion retailer. Dizdar's career began in the steel industry before he transitioned to textiles, eventually co-founding Taha Holding, the parent company of LC Waikiki. His success in fashion retail has resulted in a current net worth of $1.61 billion, placing him among the wealthiest individuals in Turkey. His leadership and business acumen have been instrumental in expanding LC Waikiki to over 1300 stores across 59 countries. Dizdar is a well-respected figure in Turkey's business landscape, known for his philanthropic endeavors.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Sefik Yilmaz Dizdar was born in 1938 in Safranbolu, Turkey. He completed his education at the Izmir Academy of Economic and Commercial Sciences. Before his career in fashion, Dizdar worked in the iron and steel industry at Karabük Demir Çelik Fabrikası from 1961 to 1979. This experience provided him with capital and business acumen that would later be crucial to his success.

Rise to Success

Dizdar, along with Mustafa Kucuk, entered the textile industry, leading to the founding of Taha Holding. In 1997, Dizdar and partners acquired LC Waikiki, a brand founded in France in 1985. Under Dizdar's leadership, LC Waikiki expanded rapidly, opening its first international store in Romania in 2009. The company's motto is "Everyone deserves to dress well."

Key Business Strategies

A key strategy for LC Waikiki has been expansion, with over 1300 stores in 59 countries. The company prides itself on promoting women into its management ranks. The brand has also focused on offering accessible fashion, contributing to its widespread appeal. LC Waikiki's success is also attributed to its strong presence in both domestic and international markets.

Philanthropy

While specific monetary amounts are unavailable from the search results, Dizdar is known for his philanthropic activities, particularly in his hometown of Safranbolu, where he has contributed to cultural, commercial, and tourism initiatives. He has also supported educational investments and served as the president of the Safranbolu Culture and Tourism Foundation.

Career Milestones

1961

Began Career

Started working at Karabük Demir Çelik Fabrikası.

1979

Transition to Textiles

Left the steel industry and moved into textile and iron/steel trading.

1997

Acquired LC Waikiki

Acquired LC Waikiki with partners.

2009

International Expansion

Opened the first international LC Waikiki store in Romania.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Community Development

Safranbolu Cultural and Tourism Initiatives

$XB

Contributed to cultural, commercial, and tourism projects in Safranbolu.

Education

Education Investments

$XB

Supported educational initiatives.