Robert Yüksel YILDIRIM is the President and CEO of YILDIRIM Group of Companies. He was born in Sivas, Türkiye in 1960. He received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Istanbul Technical University in 1983. In 1989, he received his master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Oregon State University. He began his career as a design and project engineer at Paceco Corporation, working for five years at the container crane manufacturing firm.
Robert Yüksel YILDIRIM joined the management board of the family-owned company in 1993. The same year, he conducted the first international achievement of the company, directly importing coal from Russia. Robert Yüksel YILDIRIM led the group in new initiatives in the 2000s, and in 2008, the Group made its first international acquisition in Sweden.
Today, YILDIRIM Group is a global player in metals and mining, port management, coal and coke, fertilizers and chemicals, energy, and maritime industry. Lloyd’s List ranks Robert Yüksel YILDIRIM among the top 100 most influential people in the shipping industry, and among top 10 most powerful people in container terminals industry. Consulting company Drewry lists him as one of the top 20 global leaders in port operations. Robert Yüksel YILDIRIM is also among the top three leaders of the global chromium industry.
In addition to his responsibilities at YILDIRIM Group, he is a Board Member of CMA CGM Group, and YILDIRIM Group owns 24% of its shares. He is also a Member of the Board of Trustees at Garip & Zeycan Yildirim Foundation, and the Chairman of Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) Turkey-Colombia Business Council.
Robert Yüksel YILDIRIM has two children.
Erhan ÇİLOĞLU began his career in logistics after obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. His professional path started in 1999 at Toyota, where he developed his skills in the Supply Chain Logistics Division. In 2003, Mr. ÇİLOĞLU shifted his focus to port operations and logistics, taking on essential roles in sales, project management, field operations, marketing, and customer relations.
Erhan ÇİLOĞLU has demonstrated his capability to adapt to various industries, contributing to sectors such as automotive, white goods, electronics, construction, food, FMCG, textiles, iron, and steel.
Joining the YILDIRIM Group in 2012 as a Business Development Manager, he played a key role in devising and executing growth strategies. By 2014, he advanced to the role of Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at YILPORT Inc., managing a network that includes 12 countries and 24 ports. Currently, Erhan ÇİLOĞLU acts as the Deputy CEO & CMO of YILPORT Holding Inc., with direct oversight of YILPORT Inc.'s global terminals.
Murat AKBUDAK joined YILDIRIM Group in 2012. He is responsible for all global finance-related activities such as Budgeting and controlling, IFRS Reporting, Internal Control & Compliance, Cash Management & Collections, and Revenue Assurance. He also played an active role in both valuation and financing projects including all financial purchases of the group as Project & Acquisition Finance Senior Manager.
Mr. AKBUDAK was promoted to YILPORT Inc. as Global Finance Director in 2016 and he continues to work at YILPORT Inc. as Chief Financial Officer since 2020. He is leading the digitalization process of the YILPORT Awarded by SAP. He is a Board member of various YILPORT companies. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Istanbul University and an Executive MBA from Koç University.
Murat AKBUDAK previously worked as a Financial Markets Expert in Thomson Reuters in 2008 and worked in the global financial markets field. In addition to working with all the local bank treasuries and brokerage institutes, Murat AKBUDAK received the Best Growing Country Award in Central Eastern Europe (CEE).
He worked as a Financial Analyst at TSKB and contributed to Türkiye's leading energy projects afterward. After transferring to Eczacıbaşı Securities as an Equity Research Analyst, Murat AKBUDAK provided market reports and valuation services for international investors in the energy and cement sectors.
Yoshiaki SUEMATSU was born in Japan where he completed his degree in Industrial Engineering at Kobe Technical College in Kobe, Japan.
From the beginning of his career, he worked as an executive of Technical Production in Quality Assurance and Site Installation Division at MES, Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co. and specialized in the areas of turbomachinery, material handling equipment, main ship engine, bridge construction and offshore rig. Yoshiaki SUEMATSU worked at PACECO/ESPANA as a Project Director between the years 1999 and 2002 and throughout his career, he specialized in technology fields such as steel material with heat treatment and gear technology.
After joining YILPORT Container Terminal in 2011 as a Maintenance Department Manager, he promoted to the role of CTO of YILPORT Inc. in 2015 and with his experience of more than 50 years in the industry, Yoshiaki SUEMATSU was appointed as Technical Advisor at YILPORT Inc. in 2020.
Gina ACOSTA joined YILPORT Holding as Chief Operational Excellence Officer in 2023.
Gina ACOSTA received her master’s degree in Transport and Maritime Management at Antwerp University in 2004. Previously, she worked at DP World as Terminal Operations Manager in Belgium (2008-2011), Landside Terminal Operations Manager (2012-2014 - Based in London Gateway/UK), Global Operations and Planning Training Manager (2014-2016 - Based in Head Office Dubai) and as Senior Manager Optimization for Americas Region (2016-2018 - Based in Charlotte/USA). Between 2018 and 2020, she worked at Peel Ports & Terminal Investment Limited as the CEO, of the Container Division (RSCT, MDHC L2 Limited & MDHC Container Services).
Before joining our company, she worked at Terminal Investment Limited as Director of Terminal Investment. Gina held several executive positions in the maritime industry, working with leading global container carriers and major port operators.
Rafael Sapiña GARCÍA received his bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering at Politechnical University of Valencia and received his master's degree in Port Management and Multimodal Transport at the IPEC - Universidad Pontificia Comillas – Valencia.
Since then, Rafael Sapiña GARCÍA worked at Condeminas with shipping agencies, logistics, and port operations; at Trasmediterránea – Aucona with the shipping lines as a Commercial Manager. Until 2013 he continued his career as a Director for Shipping and Port Operators at Fundación Valenciaport.
Rafael Sapiña GARCÍA lectured at the IPEC Universidad Pontificia Comillas about port management and multimodal transport. Mr. GARCÍA who worked as the Chief Terminal Development Officer of the company is the Chief Terminal Acquisition Officer of YILPORT Inc.
Kadir OKCU worked as a consultant in the construction field for YILDIRIM Group of Companies between 2005 and 2016 and started to work at YILDIRIM Group as a Construction Projects Executive Director in 2017.
He transferred to YILPORT Inc. in 2020. He is responsible for all the construction and infrastructure projects. He received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at Istanbul Technical University. Mr. OKCU previously worked as a Projects Engineer and worked as a Projects Manager focusing on local and international port projects.
Between 1998 and 2009 he worked at SOYAK as Project Manager for Ambarlı Port taking part in various roles for port projects. In 2009, he started to provide consulting and projects management services for various port projects by founding Alp Mühendislik Müşavirlik Ltd. Şti.
Luis CANTO who is currently working as Head of Infrastructure, Engineering, and Maintenance in Terminales Portuarios Euroandinos (TPE) under YILPORT Holding since 2021, has been assigned as CTO-Chief Technical Officer of YILPORT Holding as of July 2023.
He received his bachelor’s degree as an Electronic Engineer at Technological University of Mendoza.
Previously, Mr. CANTO worked in different positions such as Design Engineer & Commissioner at IMPSA, Field Service Engineer providing services to companies, Electrical and Electronical Maintenance Manager at Juan Minetti Company, and Maintenance Manager at Aeropuertos Argentina 2000, Senior Manager/Operation Manager at Impsa Port Systems Kuala Lumpur/ Malaysia, Senior Manager/General Manager/Business Development APAC at Cargotec Terminal Solutions Kuala Lumpur, Chief Technical Officer at MMC Port Holdings Malaysia respectively.
Kris KOSMALA joined YILPORT Holding in August 2023. He is responsible for the roadmap of the digitalization of the company.
Mr. KOSMALA received his MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management in 2010. Previously, he worked at Oracle Corporation in 1993 as a consultant. He held several executive positions in the maritime digitalization sector working with major global container carriers and major port operating companies on implementing their digital business visions. He is actively involved with maritime conferences, writes for major maritime publications, and advises innovative technology startups on industry issues that are of the highest importance to the maritime industries.
He worked at Holo Sail Technologies as a member of the Board and Non-Executive Director and at Marine Digital as an Equity Partner and he held non-executive board director roles.
İbrahim DÖLEN joined YILPORT Holding in June 2022. He is responsible for integration processes as Chief Integration Officer.
He completed the Advanced Management Program at the University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School in 2014.
Mr.DÖLEN previously worked at Borusan Logistics and Borusan Port as CEO between 2002 – 2019 and he worked at Hemera Capital Partners as Head of Türkiye, and he executed non-executive board member roles.
Evrim ÜNAL GÖKÇE joined YILPORT Holding as the Global HR Executive Director in 2022. Mrs. GÖKÇE was promoted to the role of CHRO of YILPORT Holding Inc. in 2024.
She received her bachelor's degree in Business Administration and her master’s degree in Management and Labour Psychology at Marmara University. Ms. Evrim ÜNAL GÖKÇE started her professional career in 1998 at Yaşarbank in the Human Resources department and worked in different roles in Human Resources management in multinational companies.
Between 2006 and 2018, she worked at Nissan Türkiye as an HR specialist, Assistant Manager, and Manager, respectively. She later took on the role of General Manager responsible for Human Resources for Nissan Motor Company / Middle East and Africa Region in Dubai. Between 2018 and 2019, she served as HR Director in Hummel Türkiye & Southern Countries Region.
Afterward, she took on many duties as the "HR Leader" at Ford Türkiye and, in parallel, as the HR leader responsible for Ford Trucks Türkiye and MENA, Europe, Russia, and Africa regions, as well as the "Center of Excellence Leader" responsible for Global HR and Foreign employee mobility management at Ford Otosan. She also served as the "Culture and Leadership Transformation Leader" in Ford Otosan's agile transformation.
Necmi Caner SONUGELEN joined YILPORT Holding as a Procurement Director in 2022. Mr. SONUGELEN was promoted to the role of Chief Procurement Officer of YILPORT Holding Inc. in 2024.
He received his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at Yıldız Technical University in 2004 and his MBA degree at Istanbul Technical University in 2009. Mr. Necmi Caner SONUGELEN started his professional career at Özyapı Beton as Quality Control Chief in 2005. He held several executive positions in the construction and energy industry, working with leading companies.
Between 2007 - 2008, he worked at Can Construction Company as an Engineer, Construction Team Engineer at Sistem Yapı (2008 – 2009), Contracts Manager at Akenerji (2009- 2012) and Procurement Manager at Borusan EnBW Energy (2012-2022).
Nuno David SILVA received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management & Administration and Master’s degrees in Port Management and Business Information.
In 1998, Mr. Nuno David SILVA started his career in the Corporate Finance and Controlling department at Hanjin Shipping in Germany, and in 1998, he worked as Information Planning & Measures Manager at ABN Amro Bank in Germany. In 2001, Mr. Nuno David SILVA returned to Portugal, and joined Gartner Group as a Project Manager.
From 2003, Nuno David SILVA continued his career at YILPORT Leixões as Operations Director and subsequently as General Manager since 2017.
Nuno David SILVA has considerable depth and breadth of experience in the ports and logistics sectors. Nuno David SILVA speaks three languages, English, German, and Spanish fluently as well as speaks Portuguese, his native language.
Alfredo JURADO von Buchwald, with a degree in Business Administration and Port Planning; has more than 40-year experience in Port Management, Logistics, and Transportation.
Alfredo began his career in 1976 at Transmabo S.A, a Noboa Group company, as Operation Deputy Manager, and throughout his career, he assumed important roles such as Manager of Ecuadorian Customs Corporation - Guayaquil District (1998); from CONAM Modernization Council, he actively participated in ports privatization processes, being appointed as General Manager of the Port Authority of Guayaquil in 2001, later becoming Vice President of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) for 2002-2003 period. Within the Public Function, he also served as an advisor-consultant for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Ministry of Transportation and later as an a CORPEI consultant. Thanks to his vast and recognized experience, he assumes the role of General Manager for YILPORT Puerto Bolivar in 2018 and later in 2020 assumes his current position, the LATAM Regional General Manager and Corporate Affairs for YILPORT Holding.
Eryn DINYOVSZKY holds a B.S. degree in Marine Transportation at California Maritime Academy and an MBA in Shipping, Offshore, and Finance from BI Norwegian School of Management.
Prior to joining YILPORT Nordic, Eryn DINYOVSZKY worked in Abu Dhabi Terminals as Business Development Manager focusing on international business expansion. Also, in her tenure with ADT, she held the role of Transition Project Manager where she led a project team with the responsibility of implementing Khalifa Port, a 2.5 Million TEU green field semi-automated terminal, and transferring the business from its historical city central location to the newly developed industrial clustered location. Eryn DINYOVSZKY also worked for the A.P. Moller group for 10 years in both liner operations and at APM Terminals in various roles and countries.
Eryn DINYOVSZKY joined YILPORT Nordic in 2014 as General Manager of YILPORT’s Nordic Region. This comprises of YILPORT Gävle Bulk and Container Terminal, Stockholm Nord Rail Combi Terminal, YILPORT Oslo, and YILPORT Logistics. She is tasked with further developing Northern business portfolio and introducing new port technology for YILPORT Nordic.
Remzi Cem GÖKTAŞ joined the YILPORT Holding in 2012. He was promoted to the position of Global Operations Director effective as of 2017. He is responsible for providing operational standards, guidelines, and documentation, Global Logistics Center, Audit and Analysis, continuous improvement, HSSE standards, and terminal development in entire regions of YILPORT Holding.
In 2020, he was promoted to the position of Global Terminal Operations Senior Director. In 2021, Mr. GÖKTAŞ was promoted to the position of YILPORT Gebze and YILPORT Gemlik General Manager & YILPORT Holding GLC Director. In 2024, Mr. Remzi Cem GÖKTAŞ was promoted to the position of General Manager of the Türkiye Region (Gebze, Gemlik, and Körfez Terminals).
Mr. GÖKTAŞ has a bachelor’s degree in public administration. Previously, he worked as a Container Planning Chief, Operations Manager, Global Logistics Center Manager, and Global Operations Director respectively. Managing a group of central departments serving multiple terminals in different countries within the role of; Operations Planning, Berth Planning, Data Control, Customer Support, and TOS Deployment on a global scale.