26.12.2025 12:25
The Chairman of the ESAS Board of Directors, Ali Sabancı, drew attention at an event with his words, "I can't make ends meet." Sabancı clarified this statement by saying, "I can't make ends meet compared to what I desire," emphasizing that everyone has financial goals and stating that structures should be established to ensure that talented individuals are financially satisfied.
ESAS Chairman Ali Sabancı made striking statements at the CEO Council event for 2025 organized by Fast Company Turkey in Istanbul. Stating that they manage assets worth 9 billion dollars, about half of which is abroad, Sabancı surprised everyone in the room by saying, "I can't make ends meet."
"COMPARED TO WHAT I DESIRE..."
In his speech, Sabancı emphasized that everyone has material goals, saying, "Everyone has material ambitions, let me tell you something? I have material ambitions. I can't make ends meet. I mean, I can't make ends meet compared to what I desire. Therefore, this needs to be done very correctly. Those people's stars need to continue to shine when they go elsewhere. The CEO of BBVA is a Turkish national. Just think, we need people who will shine like that. There also need to be structures that will financially intoxicate people," he stated.
"THE GLOBAL WORLD IS LARGER THAN THOUGHT"
Noting that the agenda in Turkey mostly revolves around interest rates, inflation, and growth, Sabancı said that when one goes abroad, it becomes clearer how "big the real world is." He expressed this with the words, "You understand when you land in London and the officer at the passport says, 'What is the purpose of your visit?'"
"WE ARE MAKING GLOBAL INVESTMENTS WITH 120-130 PARTNERS"
Referring to the breadth of ESAS's investment network, Sabancı stated that they have around 120-130 partners. He mentioned that they invest in a geography extending from the West Coast of America to Africa, emphasizing that their investment activities are not limited to Turkey.
"WE MANAGE 9 BILLION DOLLARS IN ASSETS"
Sabancı also explained the size of the assets managed by ESAS, saying, "According to an approximate calculation, we manage 9 billion dollars in assets." He noted that about 50% of these assets are abroad, stating that they operate through offices in London, Frankfurt, New York, and Dubai.
"GLOBAL GAMES ARE NOW A NECESSITY"
Stating that one cannot operate with local habits in the global business world, Sabancı highlighted the importance of adapting to the conditions of different countries. He said, "When you go to Japan, you don't go to a kebab shop... When you go to Japan, you should eat sushi," emphasizing that it is essential to step onto the field for competition in the international order.