Headline: Yaşar Group Celebrates its 79th Anniversary with the Motto "Not I, But We Exist"
The first event commemorating the 79th anniversary of Yaşar Group, a pioneer in Turkey's food, beverage, and paint industries, took place at Yaşar University. The event, themed around the founder Selçuk Yaşar's motto "Not Me, But Us," was hosted by Feyhan Yaşar, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Yaşar Holding; İdil Yiğitbaşı, Vice Chairwoman of the Board; and Dr. Mehmet Aktaş, CEO. Attendees included Board Members Yılmaz Gökoğlu, Kemal Semerciler, Hikmet Altan, members of the boards of Yaşar Group companies, Ahmet Yiğitbaşı, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Yaşar University, and leaders and employees of the Group. During the ceremony, 135 employees who completed 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 years of service were awarded certificates.
In her speech, Feyhan Yaşar emphasized the importance of laying the groundwork today for a strong future, noting, "Yaşar Group has achieved significant successes over 79 years. While our past achievements are valuable, it is time to forge new victories. Keeping pace with global and national developments, we aim for new goals, ensuring competitiveness and agility while adapting swiftly to industry changes. With age and experience, we confidently lay strong foundations for the future. By undertaking cultural transformation projects, fostering intrapreneurship, engaging our Project Phoenix teams, and investing in R&D, we are planning the next 20, 30, even 50 years as a collective. Our principle of 'Science, Unity, Success' will guide us to greater achievements. It is worth all our efforts for the sake of our nation."
Vice Chairwoman İdil Yiğitbaşı highlighted the pivotal role of employees in Yaşar Group's success, stating, "We take pride in seeing Yaşar Group brands, particularly Pınar and DYO, recognized worldwide. In line with our founder Selçuk Yaşar's vision, 'Not Me, But Us,' we are striving for a more innovative future. While contributing to the country's economy, we also maintain our commitment to supporting education, culture, art, and sports. Our collective efforts will make a difference not only in our sectors but also in society. It is our responsibility to progress in the light of science, ensuring better living conditions for today's and future generations. My gratitude goes to all team members who have embraced Yaşar Group's values and goals over these 79 years."
Dr. Mehmet Aktaş, CEO, began by assessing global and Turkish economic trends, stating, "We proudly celebrate the Group's 79th anniversary. It is our duty to carry forward the vision of our founder, Selçuk Yaşar. Understanding today accurately and taking the right steps for the future is crucial. Four major trends influencing our strategies—geopolitical shifts, climate change, technological transformation, and demographic changes—guide us. By adapting to these transformations, we define our objectives and the strategies to reach them. Yaşar Group has witnessed and successfully navigated numerous periods over the past 79 years through experience and foresight. The contributions of our employees and all stakeholders in our ecosystem have been vital in these achievements. Together, we will continue to attain new successes today and in the future.”