Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (ISG) has announced the appointment of Serhat Soğukpınar as its new CEO, effective December 26, 2023.
This strategic decision marks a new era for the airport, highlighting the ongoing collaboration between Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and IC Holding.
Soğukpınar, a seasoned professional in the transportation sector, has held senior management positions in leading companies throughout his career. His expertise and leadership are expected to play a pivotal role in the strategic partnership between MAHB and IC Holding.
Mohamed Rastam Shahrom, Acting CEO of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad Group, welcomed Soğukpınar, stating, “His appointment signifies the commencement of a strategic collaboration between Malaysia Airports and IC Holding. We aim to achieve excellence in service and sustainable success, leveraging IC Holding’s extensive experience in airport management.”
IC Holding CEO Murad Bayar also commented on the appointment. “IC Holding has a long-standing reputation in airport construction and management globally. Soğukpınar’s appointment as the CEO of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport is a strategic step in sharing expertise and developing potential collaborations between the two groups,” Bayar said.
A Veteran in Aviation
Soğukpınar brings over two decades of leadership experience in aviation, having served in various capacities at Ankara Esenboğa Airport and Antalya Airport. His tenure as CEO of Antalya Airport from 2015 to 2019 further enhanced his expertise in the aviation sector. During his time at IC Holding, Soğukpınar contributed to numerous significant projects, including the construction of Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport’s international terminal, the second runway and international terminal at Antalya Airport, and the Ordu-Giresun Airport.
As the head of the Transportation and Infrastructure Group at IC Holding, Soğukpınar managed critical infrastructure companies, including the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge and Northern Ring Motorway Operation, Sakarya Karasu Port Investment and Operation, Northern Aegean Motorway operation, and the Istanbul Logistics Park Investment and Operation.
IC Holding, known for its global achievements in airport construction and management, has been instrumental in major projects in Turkey, such as the Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport international terminal, Antalya Airport’s second runway and international terminal, and Ordu-Giresun Airport. The group has also expanded its reach beyond national borders, undertaking construction projects at airports in Bulgaria, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and recently winning the bid for the Long Thanh Airport in Vietnam. With the successful management of Antalya International Airport, IC Holding aims to expand its airport management footprint globally.
Looking Ahead
The appointment of Serhat Soğukpınar as CEO of Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is more than a change in leadership; it represents a strategic alignment of expertise and vision between two major players in the global aviation industry. Under Soğukpınar’s leadership, the airport is poised to enhance its operational efficiency, customer service, and strategic growth, further solidifying its position as a key hub in the region.
