Meet the Team

Ismail Can Ceken

I received an excellent education in preparation for my successful career as a businessman and executive. I graduated from the prestigious Koc University in 2011 with a BA in Business Administration, which prepared me for the world of management by developing my proficiency in the use of analytical techniques and my knowledge of theory and practice in relation to the exercise of managerial responsibilities.

I followed this with a Masters degree in Public Law from Yasar University in Izmir, Turkey, in which I studied Turkish Public Law, Energy Law and the European Court of Human Rights and wrote my dissertation on Criminal Usury and Illegal Factoring and Financial Services. This course of study gave me invaluable and in-depth knowledge about the legal and business framework that applies to the commercial environment in Turkey and added to my credibility as a business leader and executive.

I immediately followed this in the academic year 2015/2016 with an MSc in History of International Relations at the London School of Economics, where I focused on Cold War Studies on Eastern Europe and Turkey. Studying in the UK and being immersed in British culture for a year was extremely beneficial for me and has given me an appreciation of British business practices and enhanced my networking abilities.

My professional career has been at a consistently high level throughout. It began during my studies, with internships at Best Factoring Finance Corporation in Izmir and Istanbul. Following my graduation from university in 2011, I immediately took a role as Finance and Purchase Director of our family-owned business in Izmir and put my management training into practice. After three years, I was selected to do my mandatory military service and fulfilled my duties at the Gendarmerie General Command in Istanbul, which gave me further insight into leadership, management and personal discipline.

Following the completion of my military service, and the successful completion of my two postgraduate degrees, I returned to the family business in a role as Manager, which I continue to the present day.

I am a member of several professional organisations, as a credible young businessman in Turkey. I have been a member of the Aegean Young Businessman Association since 2017, and a member of the Babi Ali Toplantilari Political Think-Thank Organisation since 2007, during which time I have attended many meetings conducted by Turkish cabinet ministers. Additionally, I represented the family company at meetings of the Turkish Factoring Association over a period of several years while I lived in Istanbul. Membership of these organisations and attendance of their events has given me many valuable opportunites to network with accomplished peers in the Turkish business community and develop useful connections.