Can Dinçer: Who is Appliance Manufacturer Beko's New CEO?

Home appliance manufacturer Beko has confirmed that CEO Hakan Bulgurlu will step down after 11 years at the helm of the Istanbul-based business.

In this time, the company underwent substantial international expansion and embedded sustainability into its core strategy.

Hakan's career with Koç Group, Beko's controlling owner, spans more than three decades.

His tenure as Chief Executive has been characterised by a dramatically enlarged global presence and enhanced competitive standing, alongside the incorporation of ambitious sustainability objectives into the company's long-term planning.

Among his notable achievements was the establishment of Beko Europe in 2024, a joint venture with Whirlpool that positioned Beko as Europe's largest appliance brand by volume.

Reflecting on his time with the business, Hakan writes on LinkedIn: "To every colleague, business partner, stakeholder – past and present, thank you.

"Every milestone we reached has your fingerprints on it. And whatever comes next will be shaped by the same determination, creativity and care that brought us here."

Can Dinçer, currently General Manager of Arçelik Türkiye and Chief Commercial Officer for South Asia and Türkiye, will take over as CEO.

Business continuity 

According to Beko, Hakan will continue to serve on the company's board until June 2026 to facilitate a smooth handover.

The organisation has emphasised that this transition forms part of a carefully planned succession strategy intended to preserve stability and ensure continuity in strategic direction.

Beyond his role at Beko, Hakan will also complete his tenure as president of APPLiA, the European home appliance association, a position he has occupied since 2022.

In this capacity, he has served as a leading voice for manufacturers across the continent, focusing on policy advocacy and sustainability initiatives while working to reduce the sector's environmental footprint.

His responsibilities have included ensuring that EU legislative frameworks for the 2024-2029 period support the global competitiveness of European producers.

Hakan Bulgurlu's impact

Hakan's departure marks the end of an era that fundamentally reshaped Beko's competitive positioning.

During his leadership, the Turkish manufacturer evolved from a regional operator into Europe's largest white goods producer by volume.

His period in charge is particularly noted for the landmark 2024 Whirlpool merger and a comprehensive sustainability commitment that elevated the company to leading positions in global ESG rankings, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and commercial success could be mutually supportive.

Writing on LinkedIn, he says: "From day one, I set out to help build Beko into a global leader. That was never a promise I could keep alone.

"Along with an incredible range of hard-working talent, we delivered.

"We built Europe's leading appliance manufacturer and placed Beko among the world's top three players. We expanded our footprint across continents through partnerships and acquisitions. We scaled revenues from US$3.5bn to US$13bn."

Proven operational track record

Can will assume the Chief Executive role with extensive experience gained across Beko's international operations throughout a 33-year career spanning Turkey, Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific.

During his time with the organisation, Can has been instrumental in consolidating its market position in Turkey and maintaining strong performance across South Asia.

His leadership approach has emphasised execution discipline and customer-centric strategies to navigate increasingly complex and diverse markets.

Addressing the leadership change on LinkedIn, Can writes: "Thank you, Hakan. Working with you over the years has meant a lot to me.

"As a company, we have learned from your calm approach, your clarity, and the way you led through both good times and difficult periods. You leave behind a strong organisation and a clear path forward. That gives us confidence, but it also comes with responsibility.

"We will continue with the same focus on our people, disciplined execution, and long-term results. I also want to thank all our teams around the world, as well as our dealers and authorised services.

"Once I take on this role, we will continue moving forward with the same determination."

Beko has simultaneously announced that Akın Garzanlı will become CEO of Beko Europe and Regional Chief Commercial Officer, replacing Ragıp Balcıoğlu.

A 20-year veteran of the group, Akın moves from his position as Chief Marketing Officer, where he oversaw a portfolio encompassing 22 global brands across 55 countries.