Early Life
Semahat Sevim Arsel was born in Ankara, Turkey, in 1928. She is the eldest child of Vehbi Koç, the founder of Koç Holding, and Sadberk Koç. She graduated from the American College for Girls in Istanbul.
Rise to Success
Arsel began her career in 1964 as a member of the Board of Directors at Koç Holding and continues in that role. She is also the chairperson of the Vehbi Koç Foundation. She is also the founder of the Koç University School of Nursing and serves as the chairperson of the Vehbi Koç Foundation.
Key Business Strategies
Arsel's business strategies include managing the group's investments in the tourism sector, including Setur Tourism and Divan Hotels. She is also involved in the strategic direction and governance of Koç Holding, a diversified conglomerate with interests in energy, automotive, consumer durables, finance, and other sectors.
Philanthropy
Semahat Sevim Arsel is dedicated to philanthropy, particularly in education and healthcare. She founded the Semahat Arsel Nursing Education & Research Center (SANERC) and is the chair of the Vehbi Koç Foundation. Through these initiatives, she supports various civil society projects.