CEO’lar Arasında Ramazan Tartışması
The tension between Zorlu Holding CEO Cem Köksal and Vestel CEO Ergün Güler regarding the corporate celebration of the month of Ramadan has had a great impact in the business world.
An investigation was launched into Cem Köksal following the incident, and the decision to resign was not long in coming.
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How Did the CEO Crisis Begin?
Vestel CEO Ergün Güler sent a congratulatory message to the company’s employees for the month of Ramadan.
He wrote in his message:
“My Valued Family: We are experiencing the happiness of reaching the month of Ramadan, which brings unity, togetherness, friendship and tolerance to our lives. I hope that this beautiful month, which strengthens human relations and revives hopes, brings peace, brotherhood and happiness to our country, the world and to you, the esteemed members of the Vestel family.
As Hz. Mevlana says in the Mesnevi: “Ramadan is a month granted by Allah as a month of abundance, service and getting closer to the Creator. It is also the month in which Allah bows down to man for his discipline of his own soul, rewards him and condescends to him.” I embrace you all with love and wish you and your families a peaceful month of Ramadan.”
However, this message was met with a harsh reaction by Zorlu Holding CEO Cem Köksal.
Köksal responded to Güler in an e-mail as follows:
“Ergün, Ramadan is not on our list of days to be celebrated as a corporate entity. Religious days include the Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Adha. It is not right for us to celebrate religious days other than these as an institution. There has been no celebration of the month of Ramadan in the 70-year history of this group. As a company, we have a stance independent of religion. While trying to be a multinational company, we expect employees from every religion and nation.
‘I HAVE WARNED YOU BEFORE…’
“Therefore, I do not find it right for us to hold such a celebration as an institution. I have warned you before about similar issues. Please do not repeat this in any way. I especially ask you to take this warning seriously.”
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Investigation and Detention Process
After this e-mail spread on social media, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation into Cem Köksal on charges of “obstructing the exercise of freedom of belief, thought and opinion.”
Köksal was detained on March 1, 2025 and released on probation after his statement was taken.
On the same day, Zorlu Holding announced that Köksal had resigned from his position as CEO.
Resignation and Zorlu Holding’s Statement
The Zorlu Holding Board of Directors made a statement announcing that Köksal had resigned from his position.
The following statements were made by Zorlu Holding in the statement:
“We share the sensitivity that arose as a result of an internal discussion between Zorlu Holding CEO Cem Köksal and Vestel CEO Ergün Güler, one of our Group companies, regarding management principles being reflected in the public; we would like to convey the following information in order to inform the public correctly and to explain our Group’s stance on the issue.
Following this situation, we would like to inform you that Zorlu Holding CEO Cem Köksal has resigned from his position as of March 1, 2025.
It is also known to the public that Zorlu Holding has been an institution that has family values and business ethics since 1953, and is integrated with the national and moral values of our country.
It is known how closely intertwined and responsible our Group, our shareholders and all our management staff have always been with social issues.
As Zorlu Group, we express our sorrow to all our stakeholders and the public due to these developments. Best regards.”
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Reflections on the Business World
This incident has become a “corporate values and cultural has rekindled discussions on “sensitivities”.
The issue of how religious and cultural celebrations should be handled in multinational companies has come to the fore again. The importance of diversity and inclusion policies in the business world has once again emerged.
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3 Strategic Lessons for Leaders From The New York Business Leadership Center
🔹 Clearly Define Corporate Culture: Multinational companies should create policies that clarify how they will manage religious and cultural sensitivities.
🔹 Pay Attention to Communication Language: The tone of senior executives in corporate communication can affect internal company dynamics and external perception.
🔹 Strengthen Crisis Management: Given the impact of social media, crisis management and reputation protection strategies have become critical.
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This incident offers important lessons to company executives on how corporate values should be managed. How do you think sensitivity should be ensured in corporate communication?
Share your views!
Sources: BloombergHT, CNBC-e, BBC, SputnikTR, MYNET, EURONEWS
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