The definition of a "good" company has fundamentally changed. Financial success alone is no longer sufficient. Employee experience, sustainability, and social impact are becoming the primary deciding factors. Executives from JOTUN, DIAGEO, İÇİM SÜT, and AKÇANSA emphasize the importance of a value-oriented culture, ecosystem development, and a sense of responsibility. Leaders state that they are transforming both their sectors and society through powerful investments and social projects. The CEOs of Turkey's most admired companies are drawing attention with their value-driven initiatives.
At JOTUN TURKEY, the goal of being an admired company is shaped by a management approach that creates value for all stakeholders beyond just strong products. SERDAR PUNTAR, GENERAL MANAGER OF JOTUN TURKEY, states that employees working in a safe, egalitarian, and growth-oriented environment is the most critical pillar of success. PUNTAR, stating that their goal is to become a company that establishes long-term collaborations in Turkey and contributes to a sustainable future, says:
"For us at JOTUN TURKEY, being an admired company is not limited to just offering strong products. We see this as the result of a management approach that aims to add value to all stakeholders. In this direction, our work is guided by our four core values: CARE, RESPECT, LOYALTY, and COURAGE. Care reminds us of our responsibility toward our customers, employees, and the environment. Loyalty is based on long-term commitment and trust. Respect defines the framework of all our relationships. Courage gives us the strength to innovate and not be intimidated by challenges. On the way to becoming an admired company, we focus on three points: customer experience, quality and innovation, and our employees. Our goal is not just to be the most admired company, but to continue being a brand that is trusted and shown as an example for a sustainable future. In the new era, the definition of a 'good company' has changed significantly. Now, economic results are not the only thing looked at; the value provided to the environment, society, and employees comes to the fore. Energy efficiency investments, waste reduction, eco-friendly products, digital transformation, and ethical management are at the heart of all our activities. Today’s good company is one that inspires trust, contributes to a sustainable future, and adds value to society."
At DIAGEO TURKEY, the goal of being an admired company goes beyond financial indicators. According to BAHAR UÇANLAR, GENERAL MANAGER OF DIAGEO TURKEY, being a "good company" today is not measured solely by operational success. UÇANLAR, stating that strengthening the ecosystem through projects carried out in the fields of GASTRONOMY, CULTURE-ARTS, AGRICULTURE, and EDUCATION has become critical, says:
"As DIAGEO TURKEY, we do not focus only on financial growth. Our priority is to create a meaningful transformation centered on people. By 2030, we are focusing on three areas: globalization, improving consumer and customer experience through innovation, and becoming the preferred company for all stakeholders. To date, our investments in Turkey have reached 185 MILLION DOLLARS. However, today, being a 'good company' is not measured only by financial and operational indicators. For this reason, we focus especially on education and capacity-building programs. With the GASTRONOMY VILLAGE project, which we implemented in SAMANDAĞ in cooperation with KEDV, SAMANDAĞ COOPERATIVE, and SAMANDAĞ MUNICIPALITY, we provided training to more than 350 women in areas such as entrepreneurship, cooking, and hospitality. Many women have joined the workforce. Our training on modern production, sustainable agriculture, and quality continues for producers in our vineyards. Additionally, since 2014, we have been organizing comprehensive training and workshop programs for professionals and gastronomy students at IWSA. Thanks to this, the sector has gained hundreds of sommeliers, operators, and experts. All these efforts are the product of an approach that creates a strong ecosystem beyond our brands and adds value to society."
SPECIAL SECTION PROJECT: The second monitoring report of the MARMARA ISLANDS ARTIFICIAL REEF PROJECT, implemented by AKÇANSA in cooperation with the MARMARA ISLAND GÜNDOĞDU VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT AND BEAUTIFICATION ASSOCIATION and under the consultancy of BALIKESİR UNIVERSITY and ÇANAKKALE ONSEKİZ MART UNIVERSITY, has been published. In the latest observations made in a total of 280 artificial reefs placed on the seabed off the coast of Marmara Island, a total of 40 different species, 12 of which are fish, were recorded. This number represents a 21 PERCENT increase compared to the 33 species detected last year. The findings reveal that the reefs are increasingly being used as habitats by marine life.
VISION: VECİH YILMAZ, GENERAL MANAGER OF AKÇANSA, says the following on the subject:
"In line with our vision of being the sustainable building materials company with the highest stakeholder value in Turkey, we attach importance to implementing projects that contribute directly to the environment. With our ARTIFICIAL REEF project, we aimed to strengthen the marine ecosystem, support biodiversity, and create protected living spaces for marine life. As AKÇANSA, we will continue to contribute to a sustainable future with our ARTIFICIAL REEF project, which is based on scientific data, produces concrete benefits, and is supported by long-term monitoring processes."
At the center of being an admired company at İÇİM SÜT are employee happiness, human-oriented management, and the promise made to the consumer. ALİ SÖZEN, CEO OF İÇİM SÜT, states that a company must first be admired by its own employees and that a strong and safe working environment is the fundamental condition for sustainable growth. Reminding that İçim has been increasing its market share uninterruptedly for 10 YEARS, SÖZEN states that this is a strong reflection of the company culture and continues:
"Now, the definition of a 'good company' is no longer limited to product quality. Consumers expect companies to take responsibility by reducing environmental impact, providing social benefits, and investing in the development of their employees. As the company that produces the most milk and dairy products in Turkey, we act with a broad sustainability strategy that covers all our stakeholders. We implement practices that support the development and well-being of our employees and invest in areas such as renewable energy, water conservation, waste reduction, and packaging transformation. We strengthen our farmers' animal welfare practices, support children's access to education and sports, and create environmental and social benefits in cooperation with NGOs. With the strength we derive from our production and distribution network across Turkey, we continue to work for the sustainable future of both our sector and our country."
