02.03.2025 00:20
Zorlu Holding made a statement regarding the controversy surrounding the "Ramadan message" that resulted in CEO Cem Köksal's resignation and subsequent detention. The statement said, "As an institution that is integrated with our country's national and spiritual values, we are saddened by what has transpired."
The Ramadan message sent by Vestel CEO Ergün Güler to the company's employees caused an uproar within the company. Cem Köksal, the CEO of Zorlu Holding, to which Vestel is affiliated, reacted in an email he sent to Güler, stating, "In the 70-year history of this group, there has never been a Ramadan celebration. As a company, we have a stance independent of religion. Please do not let this happen again."
RESIGNED CEO IN CUSTODY
Following the public outcry, reactions to Köksal grew exponentially. While Köksal resigned, he was taken into custody as part of an investigation initiated by the prosecutor's office.
STATEMENT FROM ZORLU HOLDING
A statement has also come from Zorlu Holding regarding the issue. The statement included the following remarks: "We share the sensitivity that arose as a result of the reflection of an internal discussion regarding management principles between Zorlu Holding CEO Cem Köksal and Vestel CEO Ergün Güler to the public, and we would like to convey the following information in order to inform the public correctly and to clarify our Group's stance on the matter."
"WE ARE SORRY"
We inform you that Zorlu Holding CEO Cem Köksal has resigned from his position as of March 1, 2025. It is well known to the public that Zorlu Holding has been an institution that possesses family values and business ethics since 1953, integrating with our country's national and spiritual values. It is known that our Group, our shareholders, and all our management teams have always acted in a responsible manner and are closely intertwined with social issues. As Zorlu Group, we express our condolences to all our stakeholders and the public due to these developments.