Beko ranked No. 1 on the 2025 Real Leaders Top Impact Companies list for brightening homes with green solutions and heartfelt care.
A global leader in home appliances, Beko offers a portfolio of 22 brands and 55,000 employees worldwide with expected sales of more than $11.9 billion. With subsidiaries in 58 countries and 46 production facilities in 14 countries, it strives to be a responsible partner to the industry, regulators, and, most importantly, consumers, seeking to raise standards, address efficiency, and drive innovation in the service of the planet and people. Here, Beko CEO Hakan Bulgurlu shares his knowledge and experience with Real Leaders.
Real Leaders: How do you thrive in the impact space?
Hakan Bulgurlu: It’s all about achieving sustainable goals without sacrificing economic value. Sustainability is no longer a whim or a luxury. The real business players know that and are quickly trying to close the gap between their impact and their ambitions. We embrace sustainability as a business model and inspire sustainable lives throughout our value chain.
RL: What milestones have you achieved this year?
Bulgurlu: We completed a significant transaction with Whirlpool and launched Beko Europe, joining Whirlpool’s European major domestic appliance business and Beko’s major domestic appliance, consumer electronics, air conditioning, and small domestic appliance businesses into a newly formed European appliance company. We acquired full ownership of Whirlpool’s Middle East and North Africa operations. We have also celebrated the official opening of our first manufacturing hub in Egypt. Beko Industrial Park is an over $110-million investment and will diversify Beko’s product offerings and strengthen its market presence.
RL: What is the biggest challenge you’ve overcome?
Bulgurlu: We are currently facing maximum headwinds; weak demand has led to a contraction for the third year in a row in our industry. Still, in this environment, we have managed to maintain our growth.
RL: What is your best strategy for finding investors?
Bulgurlu: Showcasing a solid track record of joining forces with companies via strategic partnerships and joint ventures enhances investor confidence. A laser focus on innovation and sustainability resonates well with potential investors.
RL: What is your long-term, mission-oriented dream?
Bulgurlu: Our purpose is to advance sustainability in an otherwise slow-to-change industry, to decarbonize as fast as possible, and to inspire others to learn how to survive with nature and take action along the way. I believe leaders should be on the right side of history.
RL: What is your best advice for fellow impact CEOs?
Bulgurlu: I strongly advocate that anyone in the business world should embrace a responsible business mindset and prioritize building resilience. In today’s landscape, a CEO’s ability to infuse purpose into their organization and lead by example is paramount.
