Former Zorlu Holding CEO Cem Köksal Released: Breaking News from Turkey
Cem Köksal, CEO of Zorlu Holding, was recently released on condition of judicial control after being detained for an email he sent to his employees. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation against Köksal for allegedly preventing the use of freedom of belief, thought, and opinion. Köksal was detained by the Istanbul Police Department’s security branch teams as part of the investigation, and a ban on exit abroad was imposed on him.
Following the incident, Zorlu Holding Board of Directors announced that Cem Köksal had resigned from his position as CEO. The company emphasized its commitment to family values, business ethics, and national and spiritual values since its establishment in 1953. Zorlu Holding expressed regret to all stakeholders and the public regarding these developments.
The issue originally arose when Vestel CEO Ergün Güler sent an email to employees marking the start of Ramadan. In response, Cem Köksal criticized Güler for celebrating religious days other than the sugar and sacrifice feasts. Köksal emphasized the company’s stance as being independent of religion and expressed his disagreement with acknowledging religious days such as Ramadan within the company’s corporate culture.
The leaked email and subsequent social media spread of this messaging led to public reaction and ultimately Köksal’s resignation from his position as CEO. The incident highlights the complexities of navigating corporate culture and religious sensitivities in a diverse society.
