Turkish Airlines’ CEO scoops key industry award

Dr. Temel Kotil, CEO of Turkish Airlines, has won the prestigious Executive Leadership category at the 2014 Airline Strategy Awards. 

The awards took place on [Sunday 13 July] at the Honourable Society of Middle Temple, London. The award recognises a president or chief executive who has demonstrated outstanding strategic thinking and leadership over the course of the past year.

In particular, the award takes into account the demonstration of:

- Strong team leadership

- Success in business transformation or restructuring

- Establishing a clear corporate vision

- Setting an innovative strategic direction

- Achievements that offer strategic implications or lessons to the wider industry 

Dr. Kotil has spearheaded an incredible year for the airline, which flies to more international destinations around the globe than any other and which last year saw a 23.6 per cent increase in passenger numbers and reached 48.3 million people. 

Commenting on the win, Dr. Kotil said: “I’m delighted to have been recognised by the Airline Strategy Awards with this great accolade. Whilst it is a personal award, it is very important to remember that this wouldn’t be possible without the support and hard work of the thousands of Turkish Airlines’ employees who give their best every day to ensure our airline runs like clockwork and delivers a service to our passengers. We work to deliver experiences beyond our customers’ expectations and help them to widen their world.” 

Dr. Kotil’s position as leader of Turkish Airlines is the latest in a varied and successful career which has seen him serve on the Board of Governors of IATA since 2006  and on the Board of Directors of AEA since 2010. He is now the President of AEA , also the founder or the Aviation and Advanced Composite Laboratories of ITU, and Guest professor in the University of Illinois.